Tillis won't seek re-election
-
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced Sunday that he would not run for re-election, one day after he drew President Donald Trump’s ire for opposing the party’s sweeping domestic policy package.
The surprise decision opens up seat in battleground North Carolina that was already set to be one of the most hotly contested races of the 2026 midterms.
Tillis issued a lengthy statement about his decision, saying he had not been enthusiastic about seeking a third six-year term in the Senate.
“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,” Tillis said. “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.”
-
I think he understands that the likelihood of winning is well below 50/50 now, and it's not worth his effort. NC often elects Democrats to statewide office, even though its heavily gerrymandered legislature grants a Republican about 1.2 times as much representation as a Democrat. And 2026 is shaping up to be a wave year given how unpopular the Big Bill is, and how its effects will likely be very visible next year as millions are thrown off Medicaid and rural voters piss and moan about their reduced subsidies (from blue urban taxpayers).
