I believe in a better North Carolina and a stronger America. More money in your pockets, safe communities, and a strong country. A better state where you can buy a home, raise a family and see your kids do better than you did – right here in the Old North State.
Michael Whatley
About Michael Whatley
Raised in Blowing Rock, Michael Whatley is the son of middle-class America. His father was an accountant, and his mother was the town librarian. After graduating from Watauga High School, Michael earned a History degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Masters in Religion from Wake Forest University before graduating from the University of Notre Dame with both a law degree and Masters in Theology.
Michael began his public service as a federal law clerk in Charlotte before serving as a senior official in the George W. Bush Administration at the Department of Energy and as Chief of Staff for Senator Elizabeth Dole, a member of the Agriculture, Banking and Armed Services Committees.
Following President Trump’s historic win in 2016, Whatley was tapped to lead the Presidential Transition’s Energy, Environment and Agriculture teams; overseeing the development of the Administration’s successful Farm Plan and Energy Plan which led to lower energy prices for every American family and factory, as well as a booming agricultural sector and rural economy.
Michael most recently served as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee after President Trump asked him to help lead the party’s 2024 efforts. Whatley previously served as the NC Republican Party Chairman.
Michael and his wife Suzanne reside in Gaston County. Their twin sons, Michael and George attend Clemson and North Carolina State, and their daughter, Mary Kate, attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both Michael and Suzanne are very active in their church, with Michael serving on the vestry and as Treasurer.