Trump schedules North Carolina trip to support Senate candidate Michael Whatley

The short version

• President Donald Trump is set to visit North Carolina on Wednesday to campaign alongside Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
• Whatley faces Democratic opponent and former Governor Roy Cooper, who has led in summer polling and fundraising.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
• Campaign advertising tracker AdImpact reports Republican groups have spent over $50 million on the race compared to roughly $35.2 million by Democrats.[ABC News]
• North Carolina voters have already started receiving mail-in ballots, which began circulating on Sept. 4.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

• President Donald Trump will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to campaign with Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
• Whatley has been outraised by Democratic opponent Roy Cooper and has trailed him in polling.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
• AdImpact data indicates Republican spending on the Senate contest has surpassed $50 million, while Democrats have spent nearly $35.2 million.[ABC News]
• The Senate Leadership Fund announced a $71 million investment for Whatley, while No Going Back PAC reserved $2.9 million for anti-Cooper ads.[The Washington Sun]
• An Elon University survey from September placed Trump's approval rating in North Carolina at 31%.[The Washington Sun]
• North Carolina became the first state to issue general election mail-in ballots on Sept. 4.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• North Carolina Republicans Are Counting On TrumpThe Washington Sun
• Trump to campaign in North Carolina rally with his handpicked Senate nominee Michael WhatleyABC News - US News