Trump Says Lara Trump Is His ‘First Choice’ for North Carolina Senate Seat
NORTH CAROLINA — Former President Donald Trump has publicly declared that his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, would be his “first choice” to run for the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Thom Tillis in 2026.
Speaking to reporters on July 1, Trump praised Lara Trump, calling her “a great person” and highlighting her connection to the state. “That would always be my first choice, but she doesn’t live there now,” Trump said. “She’s there all the time… she really knows North Carolina well.”
A Critical Open Seat in a Swing State
Senator Thom Tillis, a two-term Republican, announced over the weekend that he would not seek reelection. His departure opens up a key Senate seat in a battleground state, prompting speculation about potential GOP successors.
Tillis has occasionally broken with Trump in recent years, particularly by opposing some of the former president’s major legislative priorities, including proposals that would have cut Medicaid. Trump reportedly considered backing a primary challenger against Tillis before the senator decided not to run again, as reported by Berry Mag.
Lara Trump’s Connection to North Carolina
Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, is originally from Wilmington and was raised in Wrightsville Beach. Though she currently resides in Florida, she graduated from college in North Carolina and has maintained ties to the state.
“She grew up there,” Trump noted. “Somebody that would really be great is Lara.” However, he acknowledged the logistical challenge: “They live in Florida. They have a very good life.”
Lara Trump previously served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election cycle and is currently a host on Fox News.
Future GOP Candidates Remain Unclear
While praising Lara Trump, the former president admitted he doesn’t know who else may run for the seat. “I think one of the congressmen from the state will step up,” he said.
The article was originally detailed by AOL Politics, which confirmed Trump’s preference and the context of the Senate race.
As of now, no major Republican figures have officially entered the race, but the GOP primary is expected to become a competitive and closely watched contest heading into 2026.
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