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Michael David Whatley
Politicians/Michael David Whatley
Michael David Whatley

Michael David Whatley

(R)
Candidate for U.S. Senate (NC)
RunningU.S. Senate · NC · Nov 3, 2026
About Michael David Whatley

About Michael

I was raised in Blowing Rock and am the son of an accountant and a librarian.

I graduated from Watauga High School and went on to earn a History degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master’s in Religion from Wake Forest University, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Notre Dame.

I began my career in public service as a federal law clerk in Charlotte and later served as Senator Elizabeth Dole’s Chief of Staff. Following President Trump’s historic 2016 victory, I was tapped to lead the Presidential Transition’s Energy, Environment, and Agriculture teams—overseeing development of the Administration’s Farm Plan and Energy Plan, which helped deliver lower energy prices for families and businesses and a booming agricultural and rural economy.

I previously had the honor of serving as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and, at President Trump’s request, as Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 cycle.

My wife, Suzanne, and I live in Gaston County. Our twin sons, Michael and George attend Clemson and NC State. Our daughter, Mary Kate, attends UNC–Chapel Hill.

I am proud to be President Trump's endorsed candidate to represent the great state of North Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

Sourced verbatim from michaelwhatley.com
Role Summary: U.S. Senator

U.S. Senators write and vote on federal laws. Each state has two senators, who serve six-year terms. Only the Senate confirms the President's nominees for judges and the cabinet, approves treaties, and holds impeachment trials.

Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Education
Bachelor of Arts, History
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
1987-1991
Master of Arts, Religion
Wake Forest University
1992-1993
Master of Arts, Theology
University of Notre Dame
1993-1994
Juris Doctorate, Law
Notre Dame Law School
1994-1997
Political Career7
Subcommittee Staff Director & Chief Counsel
United States Senate
2003-2004
General Counsel
Republican National Committee
2023-2024
Counselor to the Conference Secretary
United States Senator Paul Coverdell
2000-2000
Chief of Staff
United States Senator Elizabeth Dole
2004-2004
Chairman
Republican National Committee
2024-present
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
United States Department of Energy
2001-2003
Chairman
North Carolina Republican Party
2019-2024
Professional Background3
Executive Vice President
Consumer Energy Alliance
2008-2019
Partner
HBW Resources
2007-2022
President
Patriot Group Limited Liability Company
2005-2007
Quick Facts
Party
Republican