Whatley: Trump’s “Jobs First” Agenda Will Lift Wages and Slash Costs in North Carolina

Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley vowed Tuesday that his economic policies will create jobs, boost paychecks, and lower costs for North Carolinians while pledging to serve as a loyal ally for President Donald Trump in the Senate.

Whatley made the commitments during a campaign stop in North Carolina against potential Democratic opponent Roy Cooper. “I’m going to fight every day for every family, for every community across North Carolina, and we’re going to fight for economic policies that are going to create jobs, that are going to allow people to take home bigger paychecks, that are going to bring down costs,” he stated at the event.

The Trump-endorsed candidate and former Republican National Committee chair emphasized his focus on public safety and family opportunity if elected. “We’re going to keep our kids and our community safe, and we’re going to make sure every person in North Carolina has an opportunity to get an education, get married, buy a house, and raise a family,” he said.

When pressed about the SAVE America Act, Whatley highlighted voter ID requirements and proof-of-citizenship measures as widely supported by Americans. “Over 80% of the American people support voter ID, and a similar majority support the fact that only American citizens can vote in federal elections,” he added. “This bill has absolutely huge bipartisan support.”

Whatley also pointed to disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, crediting the Trump administration for its response. “When President Trump was sworn in, what we saw over the previous couple of months after Hurricane Helene hit was excuses,” he said. “We saw absolutely no action in western North Carolina. Since President Trump took office, over $8.5 billion in federal relief has been poured into western North Carolina.”

He expressed optimism about infrastructure recovery: “The roads are being rebuilt, bridges are being rebuilt, and water systems are being repaired. The Blue Ridge Parkway is up and running.” Whatley noted President Trump’s commitment to western North Carolina, stating, “The president has made it very clear he will not forget western North Carolina.”

Whatley also revealed his appointment to a federal panel reviewing the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “I’m honored that [he] put me on the FEMA Review Council to make sure we never have a response … that we saw from the Biden administration and my opponent, Roy Cooper,” he said. “We have to do better in getting relief to people across not just North Carolina but the country.”