From 2019 to 2024, Michael Whatley served as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP).
Whatley repeatedly appointed Harvey Lee West, a convicted child sex predator, to the powerful “Plan of Organization Committee” for the NCGOP, which is responsible for writing and amending the party's bylaws.
Party leadership under Whatley has “detailed knowledge” of West's criminal record involving offenses against children:
When he was a police officer in Beaufort County, West was arrested and charged with the statutory rape of three underage girls (two 14-year-olds and one 16-year-old).
West pleaded guilty to 16 lesser charges of taking indecent liberties with children. He served six years in prison and spent 10 years on the state's sex-offender registry.
West never hid his criminal record and served the NCGOP for nearly two decades.
Whatley and West have appeared speaking, smiling, and taking pictures together at numerous Republican gatherings.
Whatley has never publicly distanced himself or raised concerns about West's role. And Whatley has repeatedly refused to answer questions about his long association with West.
Asheville Watchdog
Several of the state Republican Party’s major candidates, including U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley, face a brewing intraparty revolt ignited by their ties to a convicted sex offender-turned-party leader.
The Charlotte Observer
Senate candidate Michael Whatley is facing intense national backlash after appointing Harvey Lee West, a convicted child sex offender, to a prominent position in the North Carolina Republican Party.
NC Newsline
Whatley has staked his campaign on issues of law and order. But legal records and his refusal to answer questions about Harvey Lee West tell a different story.
Asheville Watchdog
Its past ties to a convicted child-sex offender dominated debate at the NCGOP 2026 convention last weekend.
NC Newsline
Conservative activists have challenged party leadership over losing sight of voters, character issues and alleged ethical conflicts.
Outer Banks Insider
Dare County residents have voiced concerns over the choice of the regional GOP leader, Harvey Lee West, as event moderator for the recent forum for board of education candidates.
AOL.com
Advocates for the new clause say adding the clause took years of convincing, despite calls on leadership to make changes.
NC Voices
The controversy surrounding Michael Whatley’s years-long support for Harvey West, a convicted child sex offender, continues to follow the senate candidate.
Cardinal & Pine
The ties between Harvey West and Whatley, the former chairman of the NC Republican Party, has become a growing issue in Whatley’s Senate race.
NC Voices
A new website is putting a spotlight on the North Carolina Republican Party’s ties to Harvey West Jr., a convicted sex offender who has held a prominent role within the party for years.
Smoky Mountain News
A new coalition of North Carolina parents is taking aim at Michael Whatley, alleging his past leadership decisions placed children at risk and demanding accountability.