Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, will not be pursuing a run for retiring North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis' seat. Why it matters: The announcement comes after multiple outlets reported RNC chair Michael Whatley will join the race.

Trump's endorsement follows Lara Trump's decision to pass on a possible run, setting up a potentially costly battle against likely Democratic nominee Roy Cooper. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley officially launched his campaign Thursday for the North Carolina Senate seat being vacated by retiring GOP Sen.

Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, has said she will not run for the US Senate in North Carolina at this time.