Lara Trump’s name is making serious waves in North Carolina politics again—this time due to US President Donald J. Trump. In recent interviews, Trump openly floated Lara as his “first choice” to replace retiring Senator Thom Tillis in the 2026 race. But wait—who is Lara Trump, exactly? And how did she go from television producer to potential U.S. Senator?Let’s back up and untangle how Lara became a central figure in the Trump universe and why she might be one of the most watched political names heading into the next election cycle.
She is not a Trump by birth
Born Lara Yunaska in Wilmington, North Carolina, she’s not a Trump by birth but very much one by marriage. In 2014, she tied the knot with Eric Trump, the second son of Donald and Ivana Trump. Their wedding? A no-surprise glittering event at Mar-a-Lago. Since then, Lara has been an increasingly visible face in the Trump orbit—raising their two children, attending campaign rallies, and transforming into a political voice in her own right.What started as a media career eventually turned into a full-blown political journey.Lara didn’t just join the Trump brand—she embraced it. During Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, she created digital videos promoting his platform, and her media-savvy storytelling quickly got noticed within MAGA circles. Fast forward to 2024, and she was officially handpicked by Donald Trump to serve as Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).Since stepping into that role, Lara’s helped lead a dramatic fundraising rebound. In April 2024 alone, the RNC reportedly raised a whopping $76 million, compared to a modest $10 million in February. Her influence is growing, and so is her comfort behind the mic.In fact, she also launched her own Fox News show—My View with Lara Trump—which blends political commentary, pop culture takes, and a bit of personal insight. Not bad for someone once known only as “Trump’s daughter-in-law.”
Why North Carolina matters
Back to the Senate run. North Carolina is Lara’s home turf, and her name recognition alone would make her a strong contender. Politico recently reported that the entire state GOP field is “frozen” while waiting for Lara to make her decision. Trump himself has publicly encouraged her to run, praising her charisma, strength, and connection to the state.If she jumps in, she’ll likely clear the primary field and command national fundraising attention almost immediately. She’s already got the Trump base locked in—and in a state like North Carolina, that can carry major weight.Of course, not everyone’s thrilled about the idea of another Trump on the ballot. Critics call it blatant nepotism, pointing out her lack of elected experience and the family’s tight grip on the GOP.
So, will she run?
That’s the question everyone is asking. Even Donald Trump has admitted he’d be “disappointed” if she sat it out—though he insists it would be “her decision.”If she does enter the race, expect the campaign to be classic Trump: high-energy, high-drama, and heavy on loyalty themes. Either way, Lara Trump is no longer just a political in-law. She’s a political force.And North Carolina may soon be the place where her next chapter begins.
