Donald Trump on Tuesday floated his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as a possible replacement for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, who will not seek reelection in North Carolina after clashing with the U.S. president over his tax-cut and spending bill.

President Donald Trump said his daughter-in-law Lara Trump is his "first choice" to be the GOP nominee for the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis, while also noting she doesn't live in the state.

A popular former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, is expected to announce a bid this summer. The Republicans are banking on an endorsement by President Trump to clear their field.