Trump reveals his ‘first choice’ for open North Carolina Senate seat 
Share this @internewscast.com

On Tuesday, President Trump expressed his preference for his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as his “top choice” to run for the seat of retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis in North Carolina come 2026.

“Lara would be an excellent candidate because she grew up in North Carolina,” Trump remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One when questioned about his preferred successor for Tillis in the Senate.

Trump noted a potential issue, mentioning that Lara and her husband, Eric Trump, currently reside in Florida rather than North Carolina.

“They have a very good life, and they, you know, they’re great people,” the president continued. “She did fantastically running the RNC. She’s even got a show that’s like the number one show.” 

Lara, 42, was born in Wilmington, NC, and served as the co-chair of the Republican National Committee during Trump’s stunning 2024 political comeback and landslide win in last year’s presidential election. 

The North Carolina State University graduate currently hosts “My View with Lara Trump” on Fox News. 

“She’s done well,” the president said of his daughter-in-law. “She’s a great person. Lara Trump. I mean that would always be my first choice, but she doesn’t live there now – but she’s there all the time.” 

“Her parents are there, you know, she really knows North Carolina well.” 

While Lara lives in Jupiter, Fla., with her husband and two children, the Constitution only requires senators to reside in the state they seek to represent at the time of the election. 

Charlotte-based local news outlet WCNC, however, determined that Lara would need to move back to North Carolina by September to meet the state’s 90-day party affiliation requirement for political candidates. 

Tillis, who has served in the Senate since 2015, announced Sunday that he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2026 after voting against advancing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

Lara addressed speculation about her political future that same day on her Fox News show.   

“A lot of people probably remember I’ve considered kind of running for or filling a Senate seat, now, this would be the third time,” she said, according to Newsweek. “The first time was actually during the midterms in ’22. Ted Budd ultimately ran for the GOP and won that Senate seat there in North Carolina. And then obviously Marco Rubio in Florida, vacating his Senate seat to become our incredible secretary of state.”

“The timing of both of those didn’t really work out for me and to be fully transparent, I would love to do it.”

“This is all kind of fresh within the past 24 hours for me, really learning that this was a viable option and that Senator Tillis wouldn’t be seeking reelection,” she added. “So look, I’m considering it.”

The president told reporters that he hasn’t spoken to Lara about running for Tillis seat yet, and that he expects at least one House rep out of North Carolina to pursue the seat in 2026.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic odds, picks, prediction

Odds, predictions, and picks for Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic matchup

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Trail grows cold in manhunt for survivalist father as authorities reach breaking point: 'I'm still angry'

Search for Washington Murder Suspect Halts in Idaho Following False Sighting Report

The search for the father accused of killing his three daughters has…

Hakeem Jeffries discreetly removes Instagram photos following Photoshop mishaps with his waistline

A TOP Democrat has been blasted for posting what appear to be…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Court Date Scheduled for Austin Metcalf’s Alleged Track Meet Attacker

The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing high school track star Austin Metcalf…
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Musk-backed Neuralink chip

Neuralink Installs Brain Chip in Fifth Paralyzed Patient

A fifth paralyzed patient has been implanted with a Neuralink chip backed…
Aaron Judge’s game-ending sac fly leads Yankees to stunning comeback win over Mariners

Aaron Judge’s Sacrifice Fly Seals Yankees’ Thrilling Comeback Victory Against Mariners

The Yankees avoided being on the wrong side of history and then…
Satellite image of Ingram Dam in Ingram, Texas before flash flooding.

Before-and-After Photos Highlight the Devastating Impact of Texas Floods and the Heartbreaking Closure of Camp Mystic

SATELLITE images snapped before and after the Texas floods reveal the complete…
Grieving mom of dead Camp Mystic camper desperately seeks daughter's 'most prized possession' lost in devastating Texas floods

Heartbroken Mother Seeks Lost Treasured Item of Late Camp Mystic Daughter After Texas Floods

A heartbroken Texas mother, whose 8-year-old daughter tragically passed away during catastrophic…
Jake Paul's message to Ben Askren after his former opponent's health scare

Jake Paul Sends Message to Ben Askren Following Health Scare

Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “one of the…
Police searching for man who allegedly kidnapped 3-year-old son in east Alabama

Authorities Seek Man Accused of Abducting His 3-Year-Old Son in East Alabama

AUBURN, Ala. (WIAT) — Auburn police announced that they are searching for…
Man busted with anti-government, anti-Trump documents after Texas ICE ambush suspect phone call, feds say

Federal Authorities Claim Texas ICE Ambush Suspect Found with Anti-Government and Anti-Trump Documents

A man accused of tampering with evidence related to the attack on…