Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced Sunday he won’t seek reelection in 2026 — less than 24 hours after Donald Trump threatened to back a primary challenger against him.
Tillis had previously signaled plans to run for a third term but reversed course following Saturday’s vote on Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
“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,” Tillis said in a statement.
He added that the choice between “six more years of political theatre” or spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids was an easy one.
Tillis was one of only two GOP senators — alongside Rand Paul — who voted against debating the bill, citing concerns about proposed Medicaid cuts.
That vote triggered a fiery response from Trump, who blasted Tillis on Truth Social and vowed to meet with possible primary challengers.
Trump accused Tillis of grandstanding and being “missing in action” during major crises, including recent floods in North Carolina, while praising his own response as “A+.”
Despite the pressure, Tillis said he’ll finish out his term and focus on governing — not campaigning. “I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit,” he said.
Trump has also threatened Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) with a primary challenge after Massie voted against the bill and slammed the recent strikes on Iran.