Michael Whatley: podcast appearances and interviews

Michael David Whatley, born on October 1, 1968, is an American politician and lawyer. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master's degree from Wake Forest University, and both a second master's and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame. Whatley worked on George W. Bush's successful 2000 presidential campaign and subsequently served in the Department of Energy during his administration. From 2004 to 2007, he was chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole. He was elected chair of the North Carolina Republican Party in 2019, serving until 2024. In 2024, he became chair of the Republican National Committee, a position he held until 2025. As of 2026, Whatley is the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in North Carolina, facing Democrat Roy Cooper in the general election.