Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, just a day after voting against a major budget bill central to President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Tillis, 64, cited a lack of space for independent thought in Washington as a key reason for stepping away from public office.
Thom Tillis Decries Loss of Bipartisanship in Washington
“Independent thinkers in Washington have become an endangered species,” Tillis said in a statement, expressing pride in his years of public service and “bipartisan victories” since taking office in the Senate in 2015. He acknowledged that his bipartisan efforts sometimes drew criticism from his own party but maintained he had no regrets.
Trump Attacks Thom Tillis After Budget Bill Rejection
His decision comes amid rising tensions within the Republican Party over the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping budget and tax legislation that narrowly passed the House last month and is headed for a final Senate vote. Tillis was one of two Republican senators who opposed advancing the bill, drawing sharp rebuke from Trump.
On Sunday, President Trump labeled Tillis “a talker and complainer” and reiterated his intent to support primary challengers against GOP lawmakers who do not align with his agenda. “I’ll be meeting with numerous people who’ve stepped up to run,” he said.
Lara Trump Speculated as Possible Challenger
Speculation has intensified that Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law and a North Carolina native, may be among those considering a run for the seat.
Tillis said his opposition to the bill stemmed from proposed cuts to Medicaid, which he called “devastating” for North Carolinians. The legislation includes provisions to impose work requirements for benefits and reduce taxes states can levy on medical providers a key funding source for Medicaid. “I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians,” Tillis said. “It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina.”
Budget Office Warns of Coverage Losses
Republicans backing the bill argue the changes are necessary to curb fraud and ensure long-term sustainability. However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cause nearly 12 million Americans to lose their health coverage.
Trump has also denounced other dissenters, including Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Thomas Massie, with reports emerging that the White House is scouting challengers for Massie as well.
