Trump aims to shore up support for Whatley in NC with Wednesday visit

President Donald Trump is visiting North Carolina on Wednesday to campaign with Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley.

It’s a sign the party is concerned about its prospects in the purple state.

Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party, continues to trail Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper in recent polls (opens in a new tab) and fundraising.

Whatley said on social media that he’s “thrilled” to welcome Trump to his home of Gastonia.

“President Trump needs an ally in the Senate and North Carolina needs a fighter,” Whatley posted (opens in a new tab). “That’s why we will win on November 3!”

North Carolina’s open Senate seat, soon to be vacated by retiring GOP U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, could be key to majority control of the upper chamber. Cook Political Report rates the race as “lean Democrat.”

At the moment, Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats have 45. Two independent senators caucus with the Democrats.

‘Garbage and lies’: Senate candidate Michael Whatley lashes out at media as campaign flounders (opens in a new tab)

In addition to the Tar Heel State, Republicans are looking to defend competitive open seats in Iowa and Texas — states that haven’t historically needed much GOP attention — and back their incumbents in Alaska, Maine, and Ohio. They’re also eyeing pick-up opportunities in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.

North Carolina has some of the country’s most expensive media markets in Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area. Both parties may need to spend significantly more than expected, which may leave them needing to triage their resources.

“The Republicans can still hold the majority in the Senate even if they lose North Carolina,” UNC Charlotte political science professor Eric Heberlig told NC Newsline. “That’s part of their calculations as well: Where do they think they have the best chance of mitigating any losses?”

A presidential visit shows the importance of the Senate contest on the national scene, according to Heberlig.

With Trump’s approval rating hovering around 35% in North Carolina, his appearance in Gastonia is unlikely to win Whatley many swing voters. But Heberlig says that’s not the main goal.

The aim, he says, is to mobilize the GOP’s base, especially low-propensity voters who may not be familiar with Whatley and may not turn out to vote in the midterm.