WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding two terms in the Senate. The announcement came on June 29, following a week of high-profile votes and growing political tension within his party.
Tillis, who was first elected to the Senate in 2014 after serving as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, cited increasing frustration with partisan gridlock in Washington. In his statement, he said he no longer had the desire to spend another six years navigating political division and would instead focus more on family and life outside of public office.
His decision comes amid growing criticism from within his party, particularly following his vote against advancing a major tax and spending package. Tillis had expressed concern about proposed Medicaid cuts and their potential impact on constituents in North Carolina.
Throughout his tenure, Tillis often took positions that placed him at odds with some within his party, particularly on bipartisan immigration reform and judicial nominations. He acknowledged that leaders willing to compromise across the aisle were becoming increasingly rare in today’s political climate.
The open Senate seat is expected to attract significant attention from both parties. On the Republican side, several potential candidates are reportedly considering a run. The Democratic field is also taking shape, with early announcements and speculation about high-profile entries.
Tillis’s departure marks the end of a decade-long Senate career and sets the stage for a competitive race in one of the country’s most closely watched battleground states.
