Whatley backs congressional stock trading ban as North Carolina Senate race heats up
Same show, different day.
EXCLUSIVE — Republican North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley is calling for a ban on congressional stock trading as his race emerges as one of the most closely watched contests of 2026.
In a statement shared first with the Washington Examiner, Whatley, who formerly served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, said members of Congress should be required to divest individual stocks or place assets into qualified blind trusts so as not to financially benefit while shaping federal policy.
“Public service should never be about personal profit,” Whatley said, framing the proposal as a way to restore trust in government. “If you’re elected to serve, your duty is to the voters and not your portfolio. I support legislation requiring members of Congress and their families to divest individual stocks or place assets in qualified blind trusts.”
The issue has gained traction in Washington in recent months as lawmakers from both parties push competing plans to tighten rules around congressional trading. House Republicans recently advanced legislation that would prohibit members from buying new individual stocks while allowing them to keep existing holdings, a compromise that has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics advocates who argue it does not go far enough.
Debate over lawmakers involved in stock trading has simmered for years, fueled by scrutiny of financial disclosures and concerns that members of Congress could benefit from access to nonpublic information. Repeated efforts to impose stricter bans have stalled, even as polling shows broad public support for tighter restrictions.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has repeatedly faced criticism over stock trades made by her family that drew public attention because of their timing and size. Former North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) also faced scrutiny after selling stocks in early 2020 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a market downturn. Burr, who had access to classified intelligence briefings at the time, said his trades were based solely on public information. He was ultimately cleared in both criminal and civil investigations.
Whatley’s position is unlikely to create a sharp contrast in the race. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democrat widely viewed as his likely opponent, has also expressed support for banning stock trading by members of Congress and other federal officials.
The race has already emerged as one of the most closely watched …
Same show, different day.
EXCLUSIVE — Republican North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley is calling for a ban on congressional stock trading as his race emerges as one of the most closely watched contests of 2026.
In a statement shared first with the Washington Examiner, Whatley, who formerly served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, said members of Congress should be required to divest individual stocks or place assets into qualified blind trusts so as not to financially benefit while shaping federal policy.
“Public service should never be about personal profit,” Whatley said, framing the proposal as a way to restore trust in government. “If you’re elected to serve, your duty is to the voters and not your portfolio. I support legislation requiring members of Congress and their families to divest individual stocks or place assets in qualified blind trusts.”
The issue has gained traction in Washington in recent months as lawmakers from both parties push competing plans to tighten rules around congressional trading. House Republicans recently advanced legislation that would prohibit members from buying new individual stocks while allowing them to keep existing holdings, a compromise that has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics advocates who argue it does not go far enough.
Debate over lawmakers involved in stock trading has simmered for years, fueled by scrutiny of financial disclosures and concerns that members of Congress could benefit from access to nonpublic information. Repeated efforts to impose stricter bans have stalled, even as polling shows broad public support for tighter restrictions.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has repeatedly faced criticism over stock trades made by her family that drew public attention because of their timing and size. Former North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) also faced scrutiny after selling stocks in early 2020 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a market downturn. Burr, who had access to classified intelligence briefings at the time, said his trades were based solely on public information. He was ultimately cleared in both criminal and civil investigations.
Whatley’s position is unlikely to create a sharp contrast in the race. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democrat widely viewed as his likely opponent, has also expressed support for banning stock trading by members of Congress and other federal officials.
The race has already emerged as one of the most closely watched …
Whatley backs congressional stock trading ban as North Carolina Senate race heats up
Same show, different day.
EXCLUSIVE — Republican North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley is calling for a ban on congressional stock trading as his race emerges as one of the most closely watched contests of 2026.
In a statement shared first with the Washington Examiner, Whatley, who formerly served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, said members of Congress should be required to divest individual stocks or place assets into qualified blind trusts so as not to financially benefit while shaping federal policy.
“Public service should never be about personal profit,” Whatley said, framing the proposal as a way to restore trust in government. “If you’re elected to serve, your duty is to the voters and not your portfolio. I support legislation requiring members of Congress and their families to divest individual stocks or place assets in qualified blind trusts.”
The issue has gained traction in Washington in recent months as lawmakers from both parties push competing plans to tighten rules around congressional trading. House Republicans recently advanced legislation that would prohibit members from buying new individual stocks while allowing them to keep existing holdings, a compromise that has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics advocates who argue it does not go far enough.
Debate over lawmakers involved in stock trading has simmered for years, fueled by scrutiny of financial disclosures and concerns that members of Congress could benefit from access to nonpublic information. Repeated efforts to impose stricter bans have stalled, even as polling shows broad public support for tighter restrictions.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has repeatedly faced criticism over stock trades made by her family that drew public attention because of their timing and size. Former North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) also faced scrutiny after selling stocks in early 2020 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a market downturn. Burr, who had access to classified intelligence briefings at the time, said his trades were based solely on public information. He was ultimately cleared in both criminal and civil investigations.
Whatley’s position is unlikely to create a sharp contrast in the race. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democrat widely viewed as his likely opponent, has also expressed support for banning stock trading by members of Congress and other federal officials.
The race has already emerged as one of the most closely watched …
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