Senator Tillis Says He Can’t Support Current Form of Republican-Backed Bill, Announces Retirement
Senator Thom Tillis is breaking with party leadership over what’s been dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” citing major concerns about its impact on North Carolina’s healthcare system—and at the same time, he’s signaling the end of his Senate career.
“I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party,” Tillis said in a statement. “When Senate leaders of my party presented this bill, I did what every American should expect from their U.S. Senator: I worked to gather the facts and comprehensively analyze what the impact would be on the people I swore an oath to represent.”
Tillis warned that the current version of the bill would result in “tens of billions of dollars in funding” losses for North Carolina hospitals, rural communities, and other vital services.
“We can and must do better than this,” he said. “The Senate should return to the House’s Medicaid approach. That plan includes commonsense reforms to address waste, fraud, and abuse, and implements work requirements for some able-bodied adults to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are going to our most vulnerable neighbors.”
While he voiced support for tax cuts, border security, and child tax credit expansion, he expressed criticism regarding healthcare access:
“This needed to come without jeopardizing rural communities, hospitals, and access to healthcare for those who need it most.”
“It has been a blessing to go on a journey from living in a trailer park and making minimum wage as a young man to having the honor of serving as U.S. Senator for North Carolina,” he said.
“What I'm most proud of are the bipartisan victories… Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn't have changed a single one.”
“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.”
“It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election,” he added. “I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit and representing the great people of North Carolina to the best of my ability.”
2026 North Carolina Primary: Key Dates
Candidate filing for the 2026 primary election opens at noon on Monday, December 1, 2025, and closes at noon on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The withdrawal deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Candidates must file a Notice of Candidacy form and pay the appropriate fee, depending on the office sought.
The statewide primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Local GOP Reaction & Candidates Eyeing the Seat
Jason Simmons, chair of the North Carolina GOP, praised Tillis while signaling confidence in gearing up for 2026:
“Sen. Tillis has announced his decision to not seek re‑election… we will hold this seat for Republicans in 2026 and continue to deliver on President Trump’s America First priorities.”
Potential Republican contenders gaining attention include:
Addison McDowell, current U.S. Representative for NC‑06 (which includes Davidson County). A Trump and Senator Ted Budd-backed conservative known for his tough stance on fentanyl and border security
Pat Harrigan, U.S. Rep. from NC‑10, as noted among those considering the seat
Michael Whatley, current RNC Chair and former North Carolina GOP Chair .
Lara Trump, former RNC Co-Chair and Trump’s daughter-in-law, also floated as a possible candidate
More information will be posted on the NC State Board of Elections website once forms and filing locations are finalized.
