Michael Whatley

Michael David Whatley (born 1968 or 1969) is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 66th chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from March 2024 to August 2025. He previously served as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024, the last year of which he also served as the RNC's general counsel. Born and raised in Western North Carolina, Whatley earned bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, a master's degree from Wake Forest University, and a second master's and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame. After working on the presidential campaign of George W. Bush in 2000, he served in the U.S. Department of Energy during the Bush administration. In 2004, he became chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole, serving until 2007. In 2019, Whatley was elected chair of the Republican Party of North Carolina, serving until his election as RNC Chair in 2024. In July 2025, Whatley announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in 2026.