Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley tossed his hat into the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. President Donald Trump already has thrown his support behind Whatley, endorsing his longtime supporter shortly after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced last week that she would not be running for the seat.

Michael Whatley announced Thursday afternoon that he is running for the U.S. senate seat currently occupied by Thom Tillis.

Whatley, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee, announced his run at Loray Mill Event Hall. Last week, WRAL News in Raleigh reported he had the full support of the White House as President Donald Trump's daughter, Lara Trump, opted to stay out of the race.