Americans For Prosperity Launches First TV Ad To Support Trump-backed Michael Whatley For Senate

This week Americans For Prosperity launched a six-figure ad buy the Trump-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate, Michael Whatley. The campaign will target digital and streaming platforms across North Carolina. The ad introduces Whatley to voters as someone who understands real life issues, versus career politician former Gov. Cooper.  

AFP Action senior advisor for North Carolina, Tyler Voigt, released the following statement: “North Carolinians need fresh leadership, not a career politician like Roy Cooper who has always put his partisan priorities first. As governor, Roy Cooper vetoed more bills than any other governor in North Carolina history, making life less affordable for North Carolina families. Michael Whatley will ensure that Washington works for North Carolinians, not vice versa.” 

This is the first major ad buy announced by an outside group in the 2026 North Carolina Senate race. The early and significant investment by Americans For Prosperity will help introduce Whatley to voters before a flood of Democrat dark money ads, that sometimes is funded by foreign billionaires.  

Tim’s Take: Once again, legacy media outlets showcased their political ignorance. The Raleigh News and Observer reported on this ad and tried to pit AFP against President Trump, trying to stoke tensions between different groups in the Republican coalition. They tried to present this as a negative, but in reality, it is a positive. The early and significant investment from AFP shows that Republicans are united behind Whatley, and there is no serious challenge to Whaley. The Republican Party is united, a clear benefit ahead of the 2026 midterm.