Michael Whatley (born October 1, 1968) is an American politician and lawyer who served as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2024 to 2025, after previously leading the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024. A North Carolina native with degrees from UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest, and Notre Dame, he began his career on George W. Bush's 2000 Florida recount team and later served as chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole. As state party chair, he drew controversy for refusing to blame Trump for the January 6 Capitol attack and for censuring Senator Richard Burr. In March 2024, with Donald Trump's endorsement, he was elected RNC chair alongside co-chair Lara Trump, leading the party to victory in the 2024 elections before being reelected in January 2025. On July 24, 2025, he announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina's 2026 election, backed by Trump, where he will face Democrat Roy Cooper.