Senator Tillis Drops 2026 Re-Election Bid After Trump Threatens Primary

Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, one day after former President Donald Trump threatened to back a primary challenger in response to Tillis’ opposition to a key White House bill, Reuters reporters Katharine Jackson, Joseph Ax, and Bo Erickson reported.

Tillis' North Carolina seat was expected to be one of the most competitive in the 2026 midterms. I Photo: Senator Thom Tillis Facebook

Tillis was one of only two GOP senators to vote against opening debate on Trump’s proposed tax cut and spending bill, a necessary procedural step to advance the legislation.

His North Carolina seat was expected to be one of the most competitive in the 2026 midterms.

Trump quickly celebrated Tillis’ announcement. “Great news! ‘Senator’ Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection,” he posted on Truth Social.

While the GOP-controlled House is considered competitive, Democrats face a tough path to retaking the Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 majority, and all but two Republican incumbents up for re-election—Tillis and Maine’s Susan Collins—represent states Trump won easily in 2024.