Washington, D.C. – Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced over the weekend that he will not seek re-election, a decision that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell lamented on Monday as a “big setback” for the party and the Senate. The departure of the two-term senator, along with the recently announced retirement of Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, underscores significant ideological tensions within the Republican Party just as it has secured control of both houses of Congress following the 2024 elections.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Tillis explained his decision was a choice between continuing in Washington’s political climate or spending more time with his family. He cited the challenges of “navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington” as a key factor.
“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,” Tillis stated. “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.”
The announcement drew a swift response from Senator McConnell, who praised his colleague’s effectiveness and expressed concern over the loss. “.@SenThomTillis is one of the most effective and collegial members that I have ever served with in the United States Senate,” McConnell posted on X. “His announcement is a big setback for the Senate and the Republican Conference. I want to thank him for his service in this institution representing the people of North Carolina and our nation.”
The retirements of Tillis and Bacon, who formally announced his plans to step down on Monday, highlight a period of internal friction for the GOP. Both lawmakers have faced criticism from within the party for challenging policies and positions associated with President Donald Trump. These decisions to leave Congress come at a time when Republicans would typically be consolidating their power, signaling that deep-seated divisions over the party’s future direction persist despite recent electoral success. Tillis’s retirement is also notable as it comes while lawmakers prepare to vote on a major reconciliation bill, which President Trump has called the “big, beautiful bill,” that Tillis has openly criticized over its Medicaid provisions.
Reactions to Tillis’s impending departure illustrate the party’s ideological divide. Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, celebrated the announcement as a victory for the party’s base. “His retirement is a golden opportunity to make North Carolina’s senators reflect the priorities of North Carolina’s Republican voters,” Kirk wrote, criticizing Tillis for being an “obstacle” to President Trump’s nominees.
Conversely, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont used the occasion to critique the current state of the Republican party. “I do not agree with N.C. Senator Thom Tillis on much. But he’s right on this,” Sanders posted on X. “Trump’s Republican Party does not allow for independent thought. The Republican Party today is a cult. Either you do as Trump wants, or you’re out. Pathetic.”
Senator Tillis’s retirement will now trigger a new Senate race in North Carolina, a contest expected to attract significant national attention and financial resources. His departure will also impact committee assignments and the GOP’s majority margin in a closely divided Senate, while Bacon’s retirement in Nebraska creates another competitive race that party leaders will be closely watching.
