Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, backed by top GOP leaders, launched his bid for North Carolina’s open Senate seat on Thursday. The unified support puts Whatley on the fast track to a general election matchup against former Gov.

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, formally launched his bid to be North Carolina's next senator Thursday afternoon.

The decision sets the stage for what is likely to be a heavyweight battle between a behind-the-scenes political insider and a former governor with a knack for winning unaffiliated voters.