Full Breakdown
Michael Whatley's Senate Campaign Faces Sex-Offender Ties and Trump Endorsement
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Controversial Prayer at Campaign Rally
At a late-August rally in Craven County, North Carolina, Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley opened his event with a prayer delivered by Pastor Daimon L. King, leader of New Beginnings Celebration church. King is a registered sex offender who has twice been sentenced to prison for offenses involving children. The pastor’s presence was arranged by the Craven County Republican Party, not Whatley’s campaign.
Background on Convicted Officials
King’s record includes a 1998 conviction for statutory rape of a 15-year-old and a 2010 guilty plea for sexual contact with an underage relative; he remains on the state sex-offender registry. Whatley’s campaign has also been linked to Harvey L. West Jr., a former GOP district committee chair convicted of five counts of indecent liberties with a child and who served six years in prison. West’s past resurfaced after activists raised concerns about his role in the party.
Campaign Funding and Advertising
Democratic opponents have highlighted these associations in a coordinated ad effort. Democrats have spent more than $2.3 million on ads featuring a photo of Whatley standing with West, framing the ties to convicted sex offenders as a central issue.
Official Statements & Responses
- The campaign spokesman said King was “invited by the hosts,” identified as the Craven County Republican Party.
- Whatley posted on X, “President Trump needs an ally in the Senate and North Carolina needs a fighter,” emphasizing Trump’s support.
- West, when asked about the controversy, said, “I’m not going to say Michael Whatley put me up there,” and added, “I wanted to serve as I followed my own redemption path.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic strategists argue the association with King and West undermines Whatley’s message that his opponent, former Governor Roy Cooper, is “soft on crime.” The $2.3 million ad campaign aims to pressure hard-right voters sensitive to sexual-misconduct issues.
Data & Statistics
- Pastor Daimon L. King: two prison sentences (?5 years for 1998 conviction; ?3 years for 2010 plea).
- Harvey L. West Jr.: five counts of indecent liberties with a child; six-year prison term.
- Democratic ad spend: > $2.3 million on television and digital spots featuring Whatley and West.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump needs an ally in the Senate and North Carolina needs a fighter,” — Michael Whatley
- “I am thrilled to welcome Donald J. Trump to my home of Gastonia next Wednesday September 16,” — Michael Whatley
What’s Next
President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at a rally for Whatley on September 16 at the Gaston Municipal Airport, an event expected to draw national attention. Whatley has framed the election as a decisive contest, stating the goal is to win on November 3.
The convergence of a high-profile endorsement, lingering controversy over convicted officials, and aggressive opposition advertising will shape the final stretch of Whatley’s Senate bid.