May 31, 2026 2:16 am
Whatley spent two decades cashing in as a corporate lobbyist

Michael Whatley’s Lobbyist Past Contrasts with Political Outsider Image

Michael Whatley, a former corporate lobbyist with deep ties to the oil and gas sector, is portrayed as a political outsider by Americans for Prosperity, despite his extensive career in revolving-door politics. His work has largely been for high-profile clients, including Exxon Mobil and Lockheed Martin, and he has significant financial investments in the industry. As he runs for Senate, Whatley’s ties to major utility companies, like Duke Energy, which supports his campaign, raise questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially as energy costs become a central issue in the race against Democratic opponent Roy Cooper.

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