WASHINGTON — Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley has formally kicked off his bid for the hotly-contested North Carolina Senate seat, opening the door for new leadership at the top of the official GOP.

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, formally launched his bid to be North Carolina's next senator Thursday afternoon.

Republican National Committee ( RNC) Chair Michael Whatley formally announced he will step down from his post and endorsed RNC Treasurer Joe Gruters to succeed him.