'One Big Beautiful' bill Senate vote: NC Senator Thom Tillis won't seek reelection after vote against Donald Trump's spending bill
Share and Follow

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis announced Sunday afternoon that he will not be seeking reelection in 2026.

This comes after receiving backlash from President Donald Trump for voting against the “One Big Beautiful” bill, which passed 51-49 overnight Saturday.

Tillis released a Sunday statement, saying in part: “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.”

“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.”

“It underscores the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics. When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them.”

“Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail. After they get elected, they don’t bother to do the hard work to research the policies they seek to implement and understand the consequences those policies could have on that young adult living in a trailer park, struggling to make ends meet.”

“As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term. That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.”

Trump lashes out at Tillis

In late-night social media posts, Trump praised Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Cynthia Lummis for their support of the bill. He also targeted holdouts, including Tillis, who had been up for reelection. Trump threatened to campaign against Tillis, announcing plans to meet with potential primary challengers.

“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against “Senator Thom” Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,” Trump wrote.

Tillis said he could not support Trump’s megabill because of Medicaid cuts that he worried would leave many without health care in NC.

A new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the Senate version of the bill would increase by 11.8 million the number of people without health insurance in 2034.

WATCH | N&O Report: NC residents at risk of losing Medicaid coverage

In another post on his social media platform, Trump accused Tillis of grandstanding and said that he was “making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!”

ABC News and Associated Press contributed to this report.

Featured video is from a previous report.

Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas businessman, Gov Abbott appointee shot dead in border city: police

Texas Business Leader and Governor’s Appointee Tragically Killed in Border Community: Police Report

A well-known businessman, who had been appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott,…
Missing Texas teen could be in 'imminent danger'

Urgent Search Underway for Texas Teen Believed to Be in Serious Danger

(NewsNation) — Officials have issued an alert regarding a teenager last seen…
GTA 5 actor says person who sent law enforcement to his house has been convicted

Conviction Secured for Individual Who Sent Law Enforcement to ‘GTA 5’ Actor’s Residence

In a recent development, acclaimed voice actor Ned Luke, known for his…
JFK's granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg dies of cancer aged just 35

Tragic Loss: JFK’s Granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg Passes Away at 35 After Cancer Battle

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has passed away at…
St. Johns County deputies chase, capture suspect in Margate kidnapping case

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in 20-Year Sentence for Man in St. Johns, Putnam County

Michael McNeal, who is currently facing charges related to an alleged kidnapping…
Anthony Joshua's best friends killed in Nigeria car crash

Tragic Loss: Anthony Joshua Mourns Best Friends Killed in Devastating Nigeria Car Crash

Two individuals identified as Anthony Joshua’s close friends have been confirmed as…
Southern Command takes out another vessel

US Military Executes Precision Strike on Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific: Vessel Neutralized

In a strategic operation on December 29, the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint…
Eurostar forced to cancel all services to and from London after 'major disruption' in Channel Tunnel

Eurostar Halts London Services Amid Significant Channel Tunnel Disruption

The international high-speed rail service connecting the United Kingdom with France, Germany,…