President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell, naming Lara Trump as his top pick to replace Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race, as the New York Post reports. The announcement, made Tuesday, signals a bold move to keep the Tar Heel State firmly in the MAGA camp. Lara’s no stranger to the spotlight, but can she swap Fox News for Capitol Hill?
On Sunday, Tillis, a Republican senator since 2015, declared he won’t seek re-election, opening the door for Lara, who Trump praised as a native who “grew up there.” Lara, 42, born in Wilmington and a North Carolina State grad, served as RNC co-chair during Trump’s 2024 campaign. Her current gig hosting My View with Lara Trump on Fox News has her preaching conservative values to a loyal audience.
Tillis’ exit followed his vote against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a move that likely didn’t sit well with the MAGA faithful. Lara, sensing opportunity, teased her interest in her show Sunday, saying she’s “considering it” after learning Tillis’ seat was up for grabs. The timing feels less like a coincidence and more like a calculated step toward a Trump dynasty.
Lara’s no political novice, having flirted with Senate runs in 2022 for North Carolina and Florida. “I’ve considered kind of running,” she admitted, noting past bids didn’t align with her schedule. Now, with Tillis out, she’s eyeing a return to her home state to claim a bigger stage.
President Trump’s full-throated endorsement wasn’t subtle, calling Lara “a great person” who “did fantastically” at the RNC. He’s betting her star power and North Carolina roots will resonate with voters tired of establishment Republicans. But her current residence in Jupiter, Florida, raises questions about eligibility.
The U.S. Constitution demands that senators live in the state they represent at election time. WCNC reports Lara must relocate to North Carolina by September to meet the state’s 90-day party affiliation rule. Moving back won’t be a stretch -- her parents still live there, and Trump insists “she’s there all the time.”
Lara’s potential candidacy isn’t a done deal, as Trump expects at least one North Carolina House member to vie for the seat. The competition could test her political chops, especially against seasoned local politicos. Yet, with Trump’s backing, she’s already got a head start in the MAGA primary lane.
Her Fox News platform, which Trump bragged is “like the number one show,” gives her a megaphone to rally the base. Lara’s knack for connecting with viewers could translate to campaign trail charisma. Still, swapping soundbites for Senate debates is a leap, even for Trump.
Lara’s past Senate considerations -- North Carolina in 2022 and Florida for Rubio’s seat -- show she’s been eyeing this level of power for years. “The timing of both of those didn’t really work out,” she said, but now the stars might align. Her ambition is clear, but North Carolina voters will demand more than name recognition.
Trump’s endorsement of Lara underscores his grip on the GOP, steering it away from the squishy moderates of yesteryear. Tillis, with his occasional breaks from party orthodoxy, never fully embraced the MAGA ethos. Lara, by contrast, is a loyalist who’s unlikely to buck the Trump agenda.
North Carolina, a battleground state, has leaned red in recent years, with Ted Budd’s 2022 Senate win as proof. Lara’s challenge will be convincing voters she’s not just a celebrity import but a committed advocate for their interests. Her Wilmington roots and NC State diploma might help seal the deal.
Trump’s confidence in Lara hinges on her RNC success, where she proved she can mobilize the base. “She’s done well,” he said, touting her leadership and media savvy. But governing isn’t campaigning, and Senate life demands more than rousing rally speeches.
Lara’s Florida lifestyle with husband Eric and their two kids adds a wrinkle to her Senate bid. Uprooting her family for a North Carolina campaign could draw scrutiny from opponents eager to paint her as an outsider. She’ll need to move fast to establish residency and silence the doubters.
Trump hasn’t yet discussed the race with Lara, suggesting this endorsement might’ve caught her off guard. “This is all kind of fresh,” she admitted, hinting at the whirlwind pace of her potential candidacy. The next few months will reveal whether she’s all in or just testing the waters.
For now, Lara’s weighing her options, but Trump’s public nod puts pressure on her to act. North Carolina’s GOP primary could become a MAGA showcase, with Lara as its leading lady. If she runs, expect a campaign that’s loud, proud, and unapologetically anti-woke.
