Senator Tillis steps down amid Trump’s criticism

RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced Sunday he will not seek reelection, just one day after former President Donald Trump launched an attack on him via Truth Social, accusing the senator of betraying conservative values and failing North Carolina.

In a fiery post, Trump accused Tillis of supporting a “68% Tax Increase,” undermining the tobacco industry, and backing costly energy projects. He also criticized Tillis for being “MISSING IN ACTION” during recent floods in North Carolina and for failing to support what Trump called the “big beautiful bill.”

The post appeared to be the final straw for Tillis, who has often found himself at odds with the Trump wing of the Republican Party. In his Sunday statement, Tillis reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to the U.S. Senate and emphasized his commitment to bipartisan policymaking.

“Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn’t have changed a single one,” Tillis said. “I will not be seeking re-election.”

Tillis cited a desire to spend more time with his family and frustration with the increasing polarization in Washington. He also lamented the decline of independent thinking in both parties.

“Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent,” he said.

Tillis’s departure sets the stage for a potentially contentious Republican primary in North Carolina, with Trump likely to play a major role in shaping the field.

“No matter which MAGA loyalist Donald Trump hand-picks to run in North Carolina, I’m the Democrat who’s ready to take them on and win. I’ve flipped a tough seat before and we’re going to do it again,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “North Carolinians are independent-minded and won’t be fooled by extremists pushing an agenda that puts billionaires first and working families last. I launched this campaign for U.S. Senate because folks are struggling to make ends meet. In Congress, I’ve fought to lower housing costs, expand access to affordable health care, and make child care more affordable. I’ll keep up that fight in the Senate.”

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