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.

President Donald Trump endorses RNC treasurer Joe Gruters to replace RNC Chair Michael Whatley, who is leaving to run for a senate seat in North Carolina.

A day after current Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley officially announced his campaign for U.S. Senate in North Carolina, Trump repeated his desire to see Gruters fill Whatley’s position at the RNC.