Whatley Assumes NCGOP Reins, Hits 2020 Trump Trail

RALEIGH – Not even a week on the job and newly elected chairman of the NCGOP Michael Whatley is already acting on campaign themes in regards to communication. Whatley, who helped the Trump campaign win North Carolina in 2016, reached out to Republicans right out of the gate to host Trump/Pence 2020 watch parties.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will be making their 2020 announcement on Tuesday June 18. The NCGOP is holding a rally that night, as the Old North State figures to again be a central focus as a must win for the president.

The social media blitz, as a small start to an overall revamp to NCGOP communications, was a feature of Whatley’s campaign for chairman. With the RNC 2020 in Charlotte making the spotlight on North Carolina even brighter, and Trump 2020 likely being omnipresent in the state, Whatley and the NCGOP have an opportunity to harness and energize the whole ticket. Beyond the presidential race, the state legislative and governor’s race, as well as key judicial races, will be the real proving grounds for new leadership.

To truly capitalize on the 2020 opportunity will require an effective incorporation of the grassroots, giving them a bigger seat at the table, and righting internal riffs. Newly elected vice chair Miriam Chu should be an asset in that regard as an ambassador for the base of the party. With any luck, 2020 can be a dramatic turn for better Republican electoral success at a critical time.