In the Arena with Mindy McAlindon - RNC Chairman Michael Whatley

Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, is a lawyer and Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman since March 2024. With degrees from UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest, and Notre Dame, he began in politics with Jesse Helms and Ronald Reagan in 1984. His career includes roles as a law clerk, counsel to Senator Paul Coverdell, Energy Department deputy (2001–2003), aide to Senator Elizabeth Dole, and advisor to Bush and Trump campaigns. He also lobbied for energy firms.

As North Carolina GOP chairman (2019–2024), Whatley drove electoral wins, pushing “election integrity” and Trump’s fraud claims. Named RNC general counsel in 2023, he became RNC chairman in 2024 with Trump’s support, reelected in 2025, aligning the RNC with MAGA priorities. He lives in Gaston County with his family.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life.

In 2023, she was awarded the Legislator of the Year award by ALEC and in 2024 she received the National Consumer Champion award by Consumers’ Research for her bills protecting state pensions.

Outside of politics, Mindy is a Vanderbilt and Indiana University alum who works as a Brand and Marketing Strategist. Mindy resides in Benton County, AR with her husband and their four children.