Whatley previously met with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott about a potential Senate run in North Carolina, and the NRSC had been floating Whatley as a possible replacement for Tillis since January, according to a GOP operative. Tillis did not announce his plans to not seek re-election until months later.

The universe of competitive Senate races remains small after new ratings by Inside Elections, and that's good new for Republicans.

President Donald Trump endorsed Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters to be the next Republican National Committee chair. Here's what to know.