Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican who represented North Carolina in Congress, also never had run for public office before being elected in 2002. Whatley served as her chief-of-staff, for one of her six years in the chamber.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley started his campaign for North Carolina’s open Senate seat with backing from President Donald Trump.

Michael Whatley, Trump's Republican National Committee co-chairman, has decided to run for Senator Thom Tillis' soon-to-be-vacated seat, according to the Federal Election Commission filing.