‘Unfortunate’: GOP Members Respond to Tillis Resigning
- Senator Thom Tillis speaks with media after discussion
- President Trump at Latinos for Trump Roundtable event
- President Trump speaks with Governor Doug Ducey
- Senator Tillis listening to Janet Yellen testimony
- Senator Tillis addresses media after Tropical Depression Fred
- Senator Tillis speaks at Ketanji Brown Jackson hearing
- Senator Mitch McConnell during budget estimate hearing
Senator Thom Tillis speaks with media after discussion
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has decided not to seek a third term in the U.S. Senate following critical remarks from President Donald Trump. Tillis can no longer accept the disrespect shown in the president’s comments regarding his opposition to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Senate Republicans have reportedly considered Tillis a loyal Republican ally and expressed frustration over Trump’s criticism.
President Trump at Latinos for Trump Roundtable event
Tillis said, “President Trump and I talked last night. I left assuming that we had a meeting of the minds, and then that didn’t turn out.” He added, “It was something I was contemplating, so it just seemed like the right time to let him know that I wouldn’t be running again.”
President Trump speaks with Governor Doug Ducey
Tillis added, “There’s no human being on the face of the planet whose behavior I wouldn’t mirror if it’s disrespectful.” Supporters have called Tillis a strong representative for North Carolina and warned that his departure could weaken the Republican Party’s hold on a critical Senate seat. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) said, “It’s just unfortunate, because he was a real asset here in the Senate.”
Senator Tillis listening to Janet Yellen testimony
Tillis’s decision has altered the electoral landscape, prompting the Cook Political Report to shift the North Carolina Senate race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-Up.” NRSC Chair Tim Scott said the race could cost over $700 million.
Senator Tillis addresses media after Tropical Depression Fred
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has called Tillis’s retirement a setback for the party. As Republicans have contended with Trump’s leadership, they have faced ongoing challenges in preserving party unity.
Senator Tillis speaks at Ketanji Brown Jackson hearing
McConnell wrote, “Tillis is one of the most effective and collegial members that I have ever served with in the U.S Senate."
Senator Mitch McConnell during budget estimate hearing
McConnell added, "His announcement is a big setback for the Senate and the Republican Conference.”
David Wilson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
