Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a pivotal figure in recent legislative debates and a key holdout on former President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, has announced that he will not seek reelection.
Tillis, who was first elected to the Senate in 2014, stated in a public announcement that the decision was not difficult, highlighting the increasing challenges for lawmakers who seek bipartisan solutions in today’s polarized political environment.
“As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term,” Tillis said. “That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.”
Tillis also suggested he may continue to break with Republican leadership, including Trump, during the remainder of his term.
“I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit,” he added.
Tillis’ departure leaves his Senate seat in battleground North Carolina open ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats are expected to aggressively contest the position. His decision follows increasing tension with Trump and the Republican Party over key legislation.
On June 28, Tillis voted against advancing the GOP's comprehensive domestic policy package, citing significant concerns about the bill’s effects on Medicaid and rural healthcare infrastructure in his home state.
“I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form,” Tillis said. “It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities. This will force the state to make painful decisions like eliminating Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands in the expansion population, and even reducing critical services for those in the traditional Medicaid population.”
His vote drew swift backlash from Trump, who posted on his social media platform, Truth Social:
“Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!”
The legislation in question includes deep cuts to Medicaid. The House passed significant reforms projected to reduce federal spending by at least $625 billion, potentially causing up to 7.6 million Americans to lose coverage over the next decade. The Senate is expected to vote on an even more aggressive version of the bill on June 30.
Tillis’ retirement marks the end of a Senate tenure shaped by moments of bipartisan negotiation and frequent divergence from party orthodoxy—a legacy that may influence the tone and competitiveness of the 2026 election cycle.
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Source: usatoday
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