Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley’s 2026 Senate campaign will host a “campaign kickoff reception” in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 12, according to an event invitation reviewed by National Review.
The event marks one of the first high-profile fundraisers for the Trump-endorsed GOP Senate candidate in his bid to succeed retiring two-term North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis. Should he win the GOP primary, Whatley will likely face the state’s former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper in what’s expected to be one of the most expensive and competitive contests of the 2026 midterm cycle.
According to the event invitation, the contribution levels are as follows:
- Co–Host – $50,000 give or raise / couple
- Sponsor – $25,000 give or raise / couple
- Founding Supporter – $14,000 / couple
- Guest – $3,500 / person or $5,000 / PAC