Senator Thom Tillis , a Republican from North Carolina, announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election in 2026, a decision that came shortly after he publicly opposed Donald Trump-backed ' Big Beautiful Bill '.
He warned that the legislation would harm North Carolinians by slashing funding for Medicaid and vital health services.
In his statement, Tillis lamented the loss of bipartisanship and independent thinking in Washington, describing moderates like himself as an "endangered species."
"In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," he said.
"Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were dedicated to making the Senate more of a functional and productive legislative body. They got things done. But they were shunned after they courageously refused to cave to their party bosses to nuke the filibuster for the sake of political expediency. They ultimately retired and their presence in the Senate chamber has been sorely missed every day since," he added.
Trump hailed his exit and said in a post on Truth Social, "Great News! 'Senator' Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection."
"For all cost cutting Republicans, of which I am one, REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with GROWTH, more than ever before," he said in another post.
Who is Thom Tillis?
Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, is a two-term senator known for his efforts to navigate a middle path in an increasingly polarized political climate.
A former state House speaker, Tillis built his Senate career on a blend of conservative principles and moments of bipartisan cooperation.
Throughout his tenure, he has worked on significant legislation, including a 2022 gun safety compromise and reforms to the way Congress certifies presidential election results after the January 6 Capitol attack.
His moderate streak often placed him at odds with the dominant forces in his party, particularly during the rise of Donald Trump’s influence.
He warned that the legislation would harm North Carolinians by slashing funding for Medicaid and vital health services.
In his statement, Tillis lamented the loss of bipartisanship and independent thinking in Washington, describing moderates like himself as an "endangered species."
"In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," he said.
"Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were dedicated to making the Senate more of a functional and productive legislative body. They got things done. But they were shunned after they courageously refused to cave to their party bosses to nuke the filibuster for the sake of political expediency. They ultimately retired and their presence in the Senate chamber has been sorely missed every day since," he added.
Trump hailed his exit and said in a post on Truth Social, "Great News! 'Senator' Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection."
"For all cost cutting Republicans, of which I am one, REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with GROWTH, more than ever before," he said in another post.
Who is Thom Tillis?
Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, is a two-term senator known for his efforts to navigate a middle path in an increasingly polarized political climate.
A former state House speaker, Tillis built his Senate career on a blend of conservative principles and moments of bipartisan cooperation.
Throughout his tenure, he has worked on significant legislation, including a 2022 gun safety compromise and reforms to the way Congress certifies presidential election results after the January 6 Capitol attack.
His moderate streak often placed him at odds with the dominant forces in his party, particularly during the rise of Donald Trump’s influence.
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