President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump on Thursday said she would not run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina next year, setting the stage for an expected matchup of former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley.

Trump's endorsement follows Lara Trump's decision to pass on a possible run, setting up a potentially costly battle against likely Democratic nominee Roy Cooper. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley officially launched his campaign Thursday for the North Carolina Senate seat being vacated by retiring GOP Sen.