North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley Faces Backlash Over Election Integrity Concerns
In the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, finds himself at the center of a controversy surrounding election integrity concerns. Whatley has been vocal about his belief that Democrats have been attempting to cheat their way to power for the past two decades, starting with the contested 2000 election. He recounted how he and other lawyers mobilized to secure George W. Bush’s victory in Florida during that election.
However, just a few years later, Whatley faced accusations of hypocrisy when he won re-election as state party chair using electronic voting software. This led to claims of fraud and ultimately a lawsuit against the state party, which was later dismissed. The incident highlights the consequences of spreading distrust in the voting process within one’s own party.
Whatley’s potential promotion to the Republican National Committee (RNC) has also sparked controversy. Former President Trump has endorsed Whatley for chair, along with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for co-chair. Trump sees Whatley as a loyal steward who has supported him since his first campaign in 2016. Trump expects compliance from Whatley, whether it be on party personnel or legal bills. The party had previously helped cover Trump’s expenses from investigations into his businesses.
Whatley’s history in politics traces back to his involvement in Jesse Helms’ 1984 reelection campaign. He gained experience in political combat as a member of George W. Bush’s legal team during the contested 2000 election. After working in various roles within the government and lobbying for energy companies, Whatley returned to North Carolina in 2015 and became an early supporter of Donald Trump.
As state party chair, Whatley focused on state legislative and judicial races, resulting in significant victories for Republicans. He played a crucial role in delivering North Carolina for Trump in the 2020 election. However, his willingness to echo Trump’s unfounded claims of fraud in other states has drawn criticism.
Whatley’s handling of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, further reflects his balancing act. He denounced the violence but later deleted his post on Facebook. While some argue that Whatley’s restraint is a problem for the party’s base, others defend him, stating that he never alleged further-out conspiracy theories about the election.
Despite his loyalty to Trump, Whatley has faced criticism within his own party. He presided over the censure of then-Senator Richard Burr after he voted to find Trump guilty of inciting an insurrection at the president’s second impeachment trial. Additionally, Whatley allowed Trump to endorse a candidate in a contested Senate primary race, breaking long-standing neutrality rules.
Whatley’s re-election as state party chair in June faced scrutiny due to the use of electronic voting software. Critics argue that this has damaged his credibility among engaged party activists who prioritize election integrity.
In conclusion, Michael Whatley’s journey as the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party illustrates the impact of spreading distrust in the voting process and the challenges faced by those who attempt to navigate the political landscape under the influence of former President Donald Trump. While Whatley has enjoyed successes and gained Trump’s favor, he now faces backlash and criticism from within his own party. The outcome of his potential promotion to the Republican National Committee remains uncertain.
