Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican who represented North Carolina in Congress, also never ran for public office before being elected in 2002. Whatley served as her chief of staff for one of her six years in the chamber.

WASHINGTON — Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley has formally kicked off his bid for the hotly contested North Carolina Senate seat, opening the door for new leadership at the top of the official GOP.

Big news is expected out of Gastonia this Thursday, as Republican leader Michael Whatley is set to make a major announcement.