Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, formally launched his bid to be North Carolina's next senator Thursday afternoon. "I know that North Carolina wants to see our economy do better,

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley tossed his hat into the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. President Donald Trump already has thrown his support behind Whatley, endorsing his longtime supporter shortly after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced last week that she would not be running for the seat.

Michael Whatley announced Thursday afternoon that he is running for the U.S. senate seat currently occupied by Thom Tillis.