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.

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, formally launched his bid to be North Carolina's next senator Thursday afternoon.

President Donald Trump backed Sunshine State Sen. Joe Gruters for the role of Republican National Committee chair, and Jennifer Saul-Rich for the Treasurer post