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.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley kicked off his campaign against former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has launched his campaign for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat. Whatley made his formal announcement on Thursday. He already has