Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, on Monday said she is “considering” a run for U.S. Senate, following North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis’ announcement on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
The wife of Eric Trump and host of Fox News‘ My View with Lara Trump, joined Fox Across America with guest host Emily Compagno on Monday.
“A lot of people probably remember I’ve considered kind of running for or filling a Senate seat, now, this would be the third time,” she said. “The first time was actually during the midterms in ’22. Ted Budd ultimately ran for the GOP and won that Senate seat there in North Carolina. And then obviously Marco Rubio in Florida, vacating his Senate seat to become our incredible secretary of state. The timing of both of those didn’t really work out for me and to be fully transparent, I would love to do it.”
Why It Matters
Tillis’ announcement that he would not seek reelection came after he criticized the president’s “big, beautiful bill.” If Lara Trump were to run and win his seat, the president would likely have certainty that she would vote in support of his legislation.
The North Carolina seat could be a prime target for Democrats, however, at a time when voters may be unhappy with the planned budget.
Associated Press
What To Know
Lara Trump did consider running for a Senate seat in 2021, but later declined and endorsed Budd, the eventual winner.
In early 2024, Trump was elected co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) as the presidential election campaign ramped up. After her father-in-law won in November, she left the position.
Tillis on Saturday cited concerns about Medicaid cuts that would cost North Carolina “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding” and force the state to eliminate coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The senator called for adopting the House’s “less drastic approach to Medicaid” and insisted he “cannot support this bill in its current form,” bucking his party’s view.
North Carolina was the first battleground state called for Trump in the 2024 election. Voters often split their ballots, with the state currently having a Democratic governor and two Republican senators.
Will Lara Trump Run for a Seat in the Senate?
While other contenders will likely emerge, Trump was reported to be considering the move on Sunday, and on Monday she confirmed she’s entertaining a run.
“This is all kind of fresh within the past 24 hours for me, really learning that this was a viable option and that Senator Tillis wouldn’t be seeking reelection. So look, I’m considering it,” she said. “I think that one thing that I think all of us in the Trump family have learned is that it is so incredible to be able to impact the lives of people across this country. No one knows that more so than my father-in-law.”
Where Is Lara Trump From?
Lara Trump was born and raised in North Carolina, referring to her childhood in her comments on Monday.
“It’s where I was born and raised. It made me the person I am today,” she said, before confirming her consideration to run for the Senate seat. “And obviously I have a lot of things to look into with it, but yeah, I mean, it is something that if it works out and the timing works and it works for my family, it is absolutely something that I would consider doing.”
Where Does Lara Trump Live?
Lara Trump, her husband Eric, and their two children lived in Manhattan in New York City until 2022. They have since relocated to Jupiter, Florida.
The family’s home sits within the Trump National Golf Club.
What People Are Saying
Tillis, in his statement Sunday: “In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.
“Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were dedicated to making the Senate more of a functional and productive legislative body. They got things done. But they were shunned after they courageously refused to cave to their party bosses to nuke the filibuster for the sake of political expediency. They ultimately retired and their presence in the Senate chamber has been sorely missed every day since.
“It underscores the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics. When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them.”
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday night: “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against “Senator Thom” Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
What’s Next
Tillis will finish out his term, which formally ends January 3, 2027, with an election for his seat held in November 2026.