In a bold move signaling high stakes and deep wallets, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), part of the influential Koch network, has unleashed a 7-figure ad buy to bolster former RNC Chair Michael Whatley's bid for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. This hefty investment marks AFP Action's first major television engagement of the 2026 midterm elections, positioning Whatley as a key player in a critical battleground state.

The campaign, which exceeds $1 million, features ads on cable and internet-connected TV services, alongside a presence on Meta platforms. The 30-second spot, which debuted first on POLITICO, frames Whatley as a staunch opponent of wasteful government spending and a champion for tax cuts and lower prices, echoing long-standing Koch priorities.

North Carolina's Senate race heats up following Sen. Thom Tillis' retirement, a decision spurred by intense criticism from former President Donald Trump. This vacancy has turned the state into a focal point for both major parties. Despite Democrats' struggles to secure a Senate seat or presidential victory in North Carolina since 2008, their recent successes in gubernatorial and attorney general elections suggest a shifting political landscape.

Whatley, who enjoys Trump's endorsement and has pulled in significant fundraising figures, faces a formidable opponent in former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat whose campaign funds nearly double those of Whatley. Despite AFP Action's substantial financial input, total spending for this Senate contest could soar to an unprecedented $650 million by Election Day, according to party insiders.

Complementing their media blitz, AFP Action has also initiated a grassroots door-knocking campaign across North Carolina, further demonstrating their commitment to securing a GOP victory. Whatley himself is slated to participate in these efforts, starting with an event in the Charlotte area later this month.

This strategic expenditure in North Carolina is part of a broader AFP Action initiative, which includes significant digital investments in other key Senate races across the country, such as those in Michigan and New Hampshire. These maneuvers highlight the group's intent to influence outcomes in pivotal states, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive electoral season.