Senator Thom Tillis said on Sunday that it’s now rare to find leaders in Washington who think for themselves. BBC
Thom Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, announced he won’t run for reelection next year. This news came just a day after he opposed a major budget bill important to President Donald Trump’s plans. Tillis, 64, said independent thinkers like him are becoming rare in Washington.
Tillis Opposes Trump’s Budget Bill
Trump criticized Tillis on Saturday for rejecting the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The president even threatened to support other candidates against him. Tillis was one of two Republican senators who voted against moving the bill forward in the Senate.
Tillis called the proposed Medicaid cuts in the bill “devastating” for people in his state. The bill would require most adults to work to qualify for benefits and reduce taxes charged to medical providers, which affects Medicaid funding.
Tillis Proud of Bipartisan Work
Tillis has served North Carolina in public office since 2007 and as a senator since 2015. He expressed pride in his career and his bipartisan victories, even when they caused issues with his own party.
He wrote, “Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don't care about the people they promised to represent.” Tillis said lawmakers willing to compromise and think independently have become "an endangered species."
Opposing Views on Medicaid Cuts
Republicans who support the bill say it will cut fraud and waste in Medicaid and keep it financially healthy long term. But the Congressional Budget Office said nearly 12 million Americans could lose health coverage if the bill passes.
Tillis said, “I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form. It would result in tens of billions of dollars lost for North Carolina.”
Trump Threatens Primary Challenge
Trump said he plans to meet with several candidates to challenge Tillis in the Republican primary before the 2026 midterm elections. There is talk Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law who is from North Carolina, might run, but she has not made a statement.
The president also criticized other Republican lawmakers who oppose his bill. He called Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Thomas Massie “losers” and said they vote "NO" on everything just to seem cool.
Upcoming Senate Vote
A final Senate vote on the budget bill is expected soon. The House of Representatives narrowly approved it last month. The bill remains controversial because it could affect millions who rely on Medicaid for healthcare.
