There’s growing interest among Republicans for Lara Trump to enter the North Carolina Senate race, especially after Senator Tom Tillis announced he would not run for reelection.
Lara Trump, who is married to President Trump’s son Eric and previously served as a co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is seen as a strong contender if she decides to run. Sources close to her suggest she’s contemplating a campaign, which could streamline the field for Republicans.
Even though she has previously declined to run for office, her name recognition and support from high-ranking GOP officials make her a notable candidate.
North Carolina Republican strategist Jonathan Feltz commented that she has the right to choose whether or not to enter the race, emphasizing her popularity within the party. “Regardless of my personal opinion, I think she’s among the most powerful Republicans,” he noted.
The idea of Lara Trump running for the Senate has circulated for years. There was speculation she would replace former Senator Richard Burr in the 2022 race, but she opted against it, citing personal commitments with her young children.
She previously stated, “I’m saying no for now, not no forever,” indicating that she hasn’t ruled out a future candidacy.
Last year, there were rumors regarding her as a potential candidate for a Senate seat in Florida, but she ultimately stepped back from consideration. “Encouragement from so many people” was a factor, yet she chose to remove her name from the discussion.
Before Tillis’s announcement, speculation had been mounting regarding her potential candidacy for his seat in the 2026 election. Recent polling indicates she leads Tillis in hypothetical matchups.
With Tillis out of the race, Lara Trump has garnered significant attention in the lead-up.
When asked about her potential candidacy, the former president noted her deep connections to North Carolina, even if she currently resides in Florida. “She’s a fantastic person,” he stated. “But it’s complicated since she doesn’t live there right now.” Yet, he acknowledged her family’s ties to the area.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley also expressed optimism, stating that if Lara Trump is interested in running, the Republican Party would rally behind her.
Another potential candidate, Representative Pat Harrigan, has stated he wouldn’t run if Trump chooses to pursue the seat.
A GOP operative highlighted that Trump’s decision would likely stem from personal and family considerations. There’s a strong belief among Republicans that securing her candidacy could be advantageous, particularly against a Democratic contender like former Governor Roy Cooper.
Feltz mentioned that having Lara Trump on the ticket could enhance Republican voter turnout, especially among demographics that typically disengage from the election process.
However, if she decides to run, Lara Trump could face challenges, as she has not yet run a campaign of her own, despite her involvement in others. A North Carolina Democratic strategist pointed out that her entry might also struggle to win over moderate voters who prefer a candidate with less partisan baggage.
Despite these potential pitfalls, Republicans seem aware that her candidacy could energize the base, particularly since Tom Tillis’s popularity among Republicans has waned.
Feltz noted that while Lara Trump might not match her father’s level of support, her presence on the ballot could invigorate the campaign.
Another factor could be perceptions of her loyalty to North Carolina, given her family’s current residence in Florida. This has been a recurring theme in Senate races, where candidates have faced accusations of being outsiders. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize her deep roots in the state.
A Republican insider pointed out that Lara Trump is well-known across the state due to her active participation in GOP events and gatherings over the years.
While some may compare her to other candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris, the insider noted she may still benefit from a strong turnout from Trump supporters in middle areas.
The clarity regarding the dynamics of candidates is valuable, but ultimately, the race in North Carolina remains highly competitive and close, making it hard to predict outcomes.
