By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | June 30, 2025

Sen. Thom Tillis will not seek reelection in 2026. The North Carolina Republican made the surprise announcement on Sunday, following increasing pressure from President Donald Trump.

Tillis, 64, said the decision came after deep reflection. “It’s not a hard choice,” he said, choosing family time over “six more years of political theatre.” This personal sacrifice resonates with many who understand the importance of family and personal time.

But the timing raised eyebrows. Just days earlier, Tillis voted against Trump’s flagship domestic bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). Trump lashed out online, branding Tillis “a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER!”

The president also said “numerous people” were lining up to challenge Tillis in a GOP primary. “Great news!” Trump posted after Tillis stepped aside.

Privately, Tillis had long wrestled with whether to run. He told friends he wanted space from Trump and support from GOP leaders—neither materialized.

His vote against the OBBB bill, which included Medicaid cuts and controversial tax provisions, became a turning point. He warned colleagues the bill would cost him his seat in a swing state like North Carolina.

It was reported by several news agencies that Trump personally called Tillis Friday urging support. When Tillis held firm and voted no, Trump began publicly attacking him.

By Sunday, Tillis had moved up his retirement timeline. “Leaders who value bipartisanship and independent thinking are becoming endangered,” he said.

His departure sets off a crowded Republican primary. Rep. Pat Harrigan is a likely candidate. Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, is “strongly considering” a run.

GOP figures such as Rep. Tim Moore, Rep. Greg Murphy, Rep. Richard Hudson, and RNC Chair Michael Whatley are also eyeing the seat.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), head of the Senate GOP campaign arm, downplayed Tillis’ exit. “That streak will continue in 2026,” he said, referring to GOP control of North Carolina’s Senate seats.

Democrats see a major opportunity. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has launched a campaign. But national leaders are urging former Gov. Roy Cooper to run. This potential for change in the upcoming election brings a sense of hope to the political landscape.

Cooper is expected to make a decision this summer. If he enters, he will likely clear the field.

The Cook Political Report shifted the race to “Toss Up” after the announcement. With control of the Senate on the line, Democrats hope to flip the seat, potentially altering the balance of power in the Senate.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Maeve Coyle called Tillis’ retirement “another blow to Republicans,” saying the Medicaid cuts were too toxic to defend.

Tillis joins Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) as the second Republican moderate to retire this week. Both cited frustration with rising partisanship.

His retirement also gives him new freedom. “I look forward to calling the balls and strikes as I see them,” he said, promising to finish his term with integrity.

Tillis first won the seat in 2014. A former state House speaker, he survived two close races and was once seen as a rising GOP star.

But his moderate streak—and support for bipartisan infrastructure and gun safety bills—earned him enemies on the right.

Now, in what is often referred to as ‘Trump’s GOP’, there is little room for dissent. And Thom Tillis, seeing no clear path forward within this political climate, decided to step aside.

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