Trump says daughter-in-law Lara 'first choice' for North Carolina Senate seat
- - - Trump says daughter-in-law Lara 'first choice' for North Carolina Senate seat
Zac Anderson, USA TODAY July 1, 2025 at 4:11 PM
President Donald Trump said his daughter-in-law Lara Trump is his "first choice" to be the GOP nominee for the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis, while also noting she doesn't live in the state.
"She's a great person, Lara Trump," Trump told reporters July 1. "I mean, that would always be my first choice but she doesn't live there now, but she's there all the time... she really knows North Carolina well."
Tillis announced over the weekend that he's not seeking reelection in 2026, creating an open seat in a key swing state. Tillis opposed Trump's signature legislation, criticizing Medicaid cuts in the bill, and Trump threatened to find a primary challenger before the senator announced he's not running again.
Lara Trump, the wife of Trump's son Eric, previously had been discussed as a potential replacement for former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio when the president picked him to be secretary of state. Lara Trump said "would seriously consider" taking Rubio's seat but later withdrew her name from consideration.
Lara Trump was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, raised in Wrightsville Beach and attended college in the state. She now lives in Florida. She co-chaired the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election and hosts a Fox News show.
Former Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee Lara Trump looks on during the 2025 Republican National Committee (RNC) winter meeting on January 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.
"Somebody that would really be great is Lara, she grew up there," Trump said of the race, before noting "they live in Florida, they have a very good life."
Trump said he doesn't know who will run for the seat. He expects one of the congressmen from the state to "step up."
Contributing: Iris Seaton
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump promotes Lara Trump for North Carolina Senate seat
Source: AOL Politics
