'One Big Beautiful' bill Senate vote: NC Senator Thom Tillis won't seek reelection after vote against Donald Trump's spending bill
Share this @internewscast.com

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

After facing criticism from President Donald Trump for opposing the “One Big Beautiful” bill, which narrowly passed in a 51-49 vote overnight on Saturday, there has been significant backlash.

On Sunday, Tillis issued a statement, partly expressing: “In recent years in Washington, it’s become increasingly clear that leaders who advocate for bipartisanship, compromise, and showcase independent thinking are becoming rare.”

“Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were committed to transforming the Senate into a more effective and efficient legislative body. They achieved a lot but were ostracized after bravely standing up against their party’s demand to abolish the filibuster purely for political gain. Ultimately, they retired, and their absence in the Senate chamber is keenly felt 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger says he was diagnosed with 4 mental disorders before guilty plea: report

Idaho Judge Describes Bryan Kohberger Crime Scene Photos as ‘Deeply Disturbing,’ Halts Their Public Release

A judge in Idaho has blocked the release of graphic images from…
Environmentalists, politicians, celebrities recall life and influence of primatologist Jane Goodall

Environmental Advocates, Leaders, and Stars Reflect on Jane Goodall’s Legacy and Impact

Jane Goodall was a trailblazer, an unyielding advocate, and a deeply empathetic…
Police investigating homicide after victim dies following shooting in Birmingham

Police Investigate Homicide After Shooting Victim Dies in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating a…
RECAP: 'Golden Bachelor' women roast Mel for ageist comments during group date, Debbie gets 1-on-1 date

Summary: ‘Golden Bachelor’ women criticize Mel for ageist remarks on group date; Debbie receives a solo date

NEW YORK — The week kicked off at “Bachelor Mansion” where the…
Jacksonville man arrested for possession of CSAM

Jacksonville Resident Charged with CSAM Possession

Police said that the man had over 400 files on various devices…
Portland police seek public's help after 'safe space' officer loses track of assault suspect near ICE facility

Portland Police Request Public Assistance After ‘Safe Space’ Officer Loses Assault Suspect Near ICE Facility

The police are asking for help from the public to locate a…
Missing woman's body found behind secret attic entrance in Northern California home

Remains of Missing Woman Discovered Behind Hidden Attic Door in Northern California House

Police say they found the body of a missing woman behind a…
Israeli military arrests Greta Thunberg, flotilla activists after intercepting dozens of boats

The Israeli military detains Greta Thunberg and activists from a flotilla after stopping multiple boats.

Israeli naval forces intercepted 39 vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on…
BMW recalls over 145,000 vehicles for fire risk

BMW Issues Recall for Over 145,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

BMW is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to starter motor overheating…
New York City high-rise apartment building suffers partial collapse

Partial Collapse Hits New York City High-Rise Apartment Building

A portion of a New York City high-rise apartment building collapsed Wednesday…
UK stabbing, vehicle attack injures 4 outside synagogue, police say

Four people injured in UK stabbing and vehicle assault near synagogue, police report

At least four people were injured Thursday morning in a car and…
South Carolina AG demands death penalty against career criminal charged in college student’s murder

South Carolina Attorney General Calls for Death Penalty for Repeat Offender Accused of Killing College Student

South Carolina’s attorney general is urging a local prosecutor to pursue the…