Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina won’t seek reelection after opposing Trump’s bill
Jun 29, 2025, 10:47 AM
FILE - Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks during a confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Sunday he will not seek reelection, a day after announcing his opposition to President Donald Trump鈥檚 tax breaks and spending cuts package because of its reductions to health care programs.
Tillis said he was proud of his career in public service but acknowledged the difficult political environment for those who buck their party and go it alone.
鈥淚n Washington over the last few years, it鈥檚 become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,鈥� he said in a lengthy statement.
鈥淪ometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn鈥檛 have changed a single one.”
Trump, in social posts, had berated Tillis for being one of two Republican senators who voted on Saturday night against advancing the massive bill.
The Republican president accused Tillis of seeking publicity with his 鈥渘o鈥� vote and threatened to campaign against him. The Republican president also accused Tillis off doing nothing to help his constituents after last year鈥檚 devastating floods.
鈥淭illis is a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER,鈥� Trump wrote.
Tillis won election to the Senate in 2014; he was up for a third term in 2026.
