Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced June 29 that he will not run for a third term, attributing his decision to a choice between navigating partisan gridlock and spending time with family after facing a barrage of attacks from former President Donald Trump.

Trump’s Rebuke Precipitates Decision

Tillis’s retirement follows his “no” vote on a procedural motion advancing Trump’s signature domestic-policy package—dubbed the “big, beautiful bill”—which prompted a series of critical posts from the former president. “If he does get in, I’m going to be president ... he’s not getting any money if he doesn’t behave,” Trump had warned, escalating tensions within the GOP.

Family Over Politics

In his statement, Tillis reflected on the drawbacks of another six years in Washington. “It’s become increasingly evident that leaders willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise and independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” he said. He added that choosing between another term in the Senate and “spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren ... and extended family” made his decision “not a hard choice”.

A Crowded GOP Primary Looms

Tillis’s exit creates what is expected to be one of 2026’s toughest GOP primaries. Possible Republican contenders include North Carolina state legislators and Trump–aligned figures. On the Democratic side, Rep. Wiley Nickel has already entered, and party leaders are courting former Gov. Roy Cooper to vie for the seat.

Implications for Senate Control

North Carolina has trended toward Republicans in recent cycles, but a competitive open seat could prove pivotal in the battle for Senate control. Analysts note that while Trump-endorsed candidates have fared well statewide, a moderate Republican or high-profile Democrat could make the race a national bellwether.