Lara Trump Weighs Senate Run After Thom Tillis’ Retirement
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, has expressed interest in possibly running for the Senate seat recently vacated by Thom Tillis (R-NC). This comes just days after Tillis announced his retirement, as discussed on the Alex Marlow Show.
In a conversation with Marlow, Lara noted that the show’s popularity has been on the rise, even surpassing that of California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. She didn’t hold back in labeling Tillis as “Reno-style,” suggesting a disconnect with Republican ideals.
Tillis officially declared he wouldn’t seek reelection, which followed pressure from various quarters within the Republican party. It seems some party members are keen on supporting a formidable challenger who aligns more closely with Trump’s vision, especially regarding significant legislative actions.
“I know he wasn’t fully aligned with hardcore MAGA ideology,” Marlow commented, highlighting Tillis’s position and voting history, particularly concerning Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.
Lara, who is married to Eric Trump, described the current Republican representatives as being largely “America’s first patriots,” reaffirming their alignment with Trump’s agenda. However, she criticized Tillis for appearing more tired and opposed to Trump’s goals.
Sharing her perspective, she regretted Tillis’s lack of public support for Trump, emphasizing that any representative of North Carolina should back the former president’s nominations. “It looks like he wants to go against the grain,” she said, voicing her hopes for a candidate embodying the “MAGA Patriot” ethos in the upcoming 2026 election.
When directly asked if she might be that candidate, Lara indicated that she was giving it serious thought. Reflecting on previous considerations for a Senate run, she mentioned receiving numerous calls encouraging her to pursue the opportunity, including from the White House.
“It’s interesting. This is actually the third time I’ve really contemplated it,” Lara explained, noting the recent uptick in inquiries. “It’s all come to me in the last couple of days.” She touched on how impactful an individual can be in political roles, recalling her stepfather’s influence as president and contemplating the future.
While she previously declared her choice to step back from consideration, she reiterated her passion for public service and anticipation for potential future opportunities, emphasizing timing with her young family as a significant factor in her decision-making process.
“If the timing feels right, I would definitely say yes,” she noted, echoing her husband Eric’s sentiments about balancing family life with a political career. Eric also reflected on the challenges of political dynamics influencing family members.
Lara holds deep ties to North Carolina, having grown up in Wilmington and attended North Carolina State University. “It’s my hometown—my entire family is still there,” she shared, indicating a strong connection to the state.
According to recent reports, her potential candidacy has garnered President Trump’s backing, with RNC chairman Michael Whatley also interested in the seat. It appears that much hinges on Lara’s decision before others enter the race.
Sources close to the White House have indicated an air of anticipation surrounding her choice. In the meantime, discussions about Whatley’s capabilities as a candidate persist, and Lara stressed the importance of ensuring he remains in his current role as RNC chairman.
