Trump Allies Lara Trump, Pat Harrigan Among Top GOP Contenders

Senator Thom Tillis, a two-term Republican from North Carolina, announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026. The decision came just a day after he broke ranks with the GOP and opposed former President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” drawing a sharp rebuke from Trump, who hinted at political consequences in next year’s elections.

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In a candid statement, Tillis lamented the growing partisanship in Washington. “It’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” he said. “Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn’t have changed a single one.”

With Tillis’ exit, the race to fill his seat has already begun. A number of prominent Republicans are being floated as potential successors — a list that includes Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump and political newcomer Pat Harrigan.

Lara Trump, the former co-chair of the Republican National Committee and wife of Eric Trump, is widely seen as a frontrunner. A November 2024 Victory Insights poll placed her far ahead of Tillis in a hypothetical primary, with 65% support.

Rep. Pat Harrigan, a freshman Congressman and former Green Beret, also has strong backing, especially from conservative voters. He currently represents North Carolina’s 10th District, having won former Rep. Patrick McHenry’s seat in 2024.

Other potential GOP contenders include:

Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, though he has announced plans to run for re-election to the House.
Former Rep. Patrick McHenry, who served for two decades and briefly acted as Speaker pro tempore in 2023.
Michael Whatley, current RNC chairman and staunch Trump ally, known for backing Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims.
Rep. Addison McDowell, a political newcomer and Trump-endorsed candidate who won North Carolina’s 6th District in 2024.

As the field shapes up, Trump’s influence will likely be decisive in determining who ultimately secures the Republican nomination for the crucial 2026 Senate race.