New $2.3M ad campaign ties Whatley to convicted sex offender as NC’s US Senate race tightens

By: Brandon Kingdollar

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: July 24, 2026

Words: 708

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago


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A Democratic-aligned political group is launching a $2.3 million ad campaign targeting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his ties to Harvey West, a longtime party fundraiser and convicted sex offender.

The digital ads, run by WinSenate PAC, will air on YouTube, smart TVs, and streaming services. They come as outside groups supporting Whatley, a former chairman of the RNC and NCGOP, have ramped up attacks on his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Roy …

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