Michael Whatley

Michael Whatley

Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC)

Michael Whatley is an American politician and attorney, currently serving as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since March 2024. Prior to this role, he was the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024. His leadership has been marked by significant contributions to Republican campaigns, particularly in North Carolina, where he played a crucial role in delivering victories during the 2020 elections. He also served as the RNC’s general counsel in 2023 before his election as chairman in 2024.

Born in Watauga County, North Carolina, Whatley began his political journey early, volunteering for Senator Jesse Helms’s reelection campaign in 1984 while still in high school. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s degree in religion from Wake Forest University, and dual degrees—a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in theology—from the University of Notre Dame.

Whatley’s career includes various high-profile roles. In 2000, he was part of George W. Bush’s team during the Florida recount. During Bush’s presidency, he served as a deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Energy and later as Chief of Staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole. In 2007, he co-founded the lobbying firm HBW Resources and served as Executive Vice President for the Consumer Energy Alliance until 2019. His work on Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign in North Carolina further solidified his position as a prominent Republican strategist. He currently resides in Gaston County, North Carolina, with his wife and three children. An active member of his local church, he also serves on its vestry.

Republican National Committee (RNC)

The Republican National Committee, commonly known as the RNC, serves as the governing body of the Republican Party in the United States. Established in 1856, it is tasked with shaping and promoting the party’s platform, coordinating fundraising efforts, and providing support to Republican candidates at all levels of government. Additionally, the RNC organizes the Republican National Convention, where the party formally nominates its candidates for the presidency and vice presidency.

The committee plays a crucial role in election strategy, overseeing voter outreach initiatives, registration drives, and efforts to boost turnout. It also works closely with state and local party organizations to strengthen Republican representation nationwide. Fundraising is another key function of the RNC, ensuring the party has the financial resources to compete effectively in elections.

Leadership of the RNC is vested in a chairperson, elected by its members. The chair oversees the day-to-day operations and serves as the public face of the committee. Michael Whatley currently serves as the RNC chair, having assumed the role in March 2024. Previous chairs include Ronna McDaniel, who led the committee through several election cycles.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the RNC maintains a presence across the country through its extensive network of state and local affiliates. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the Republican Party’s identity and ensuring its competitiveness in the evolving political landscape.