Lara Trump leads GOP field in North Carolina Senate race, despite not officially running

Lara Trump, former President Trump's daughter-in-law, is a leading a poll of candidates and likely GOP candidates in the 2022 North Carolina Senate race, 

Trump leads the poll by GOP polling firm Cygnal with 32.4% of the likely vote, followed by North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson at 20.1%.

The seat is open because GOP Sen. Richard Burr is retiring and not seeking reelection.

The poll, obtained by The Hill newspaper, also shows 54.7% have a positive opinion of the former president, which could help his daughter-in-law if she decides to run.  

"A Trump-endorsed candidate for an open Senate seat in a state Trump won is a big advantage," said former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, according to NewsObserver. "A Trump-endorsed candidate for an open Senate seat in a state Trump won who’s also named Trump has a humongous advantage."