WinSenate Launches $2.25 Million Digital Ad Targeting Michael Whatley for Putting a Child Sex Predator in Power

Today, WinSenate launched a $2.25 million digital ad campaign detailing Michael Whatley’s appointment of a convicted child sex predator to leadership positions in the North Carolina Republican Party while Whatley served as state party chairman.

“A police officer charged with molesting three young girls,” the narrator says in the 30-second ad. “Then Michael Whatley hired him, even though West was open about his criminal record.”

As NCGOP Chair, Whatley appointed Harvey L. West Jr. to lead the party’s 1st Congressional District committee and to head its powerful Plan of Organization committee.

West pleaded guilty in 2000 to five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, was sentenced to six years in prison, and was required to register as a sex offender after he was arrested and charged with the statutory rape of three teenage girls while working as a police officer. Party leadership under Whatley had “detailed knowledge” of West’s criminal record involving offenses against children. West never hid his criminal record and served the NCGOP for nearly two decades.

To accompany the digital campaign, WinSenate will also launch michaelwhatleyfacts.com – a website that details the yearslong relationship Whatley and West shared.

The 30–second and 15–second ads will air on YouTube, CTV, and streaming platforms.