Republican Senator Thom Tillis Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election, Sparking Open Senate Race in North Carolina
Washington, D.C. – On June 29, 2025, North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting the stage for a highly competitive open-seat race in a critical battleground state. Tillis’s decision came less than 24 hours after he voted against advancing President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill, citing concerns over proposed Medicaid cuts.
Tillis, first elected in 2014, cited personal and political reasons for his departure. “It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election,” Tillis said in a statement. He expressed a desire to focus on his family and avoid the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., stating, “I look forward to solely focusing on producing meaningful results without the distraction of raising money or campaigning for another election”.
The announcement has ignited intense speculation about potential successors. On the Republican side, Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and a former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is reportedly “strongly considering” entering the race. Sources close to the Trump family suggest that if Lara Trump runs, she will receive the family’s full support and could quickly consolidate backing within the party. Other potential GOP candidates include RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Rep. Pat Harrigan, Rep. Tim Moore, and Rep. Greg Murphy.
President Trump responded to Tillis’s retirement with a post on Truth Social, calling it “Great News!” and indicating he would meet with potential primary challengers. Trump had previously criticized Tillis for opposing his agenda, and Tillis himself acknowledged that the president’s endorsement could be decisive in the primary.
On the Democratic side, former Governor Roy Cooper is widely viewed as the party’s best hope for flipping the seat. Cooper has not yet announced his intentions but is expected to make a decision this summer. Meanwhile, former Representative Wiley Nickel has already launched his campaign.
Political analysts have moved the North Carolina Senate race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up,” reflecting the uncertainty of an open seat and the potential for a contentious primary on both sides. Tillis’s retirement is seen as a significant blow to the shrinking moderate wing of the Republican Party and a potential opportunity for Democrats in a state that has eluded them in recent Senate contests.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but Democrats are optimistic about their chances in North Carolina as the GOP faces internal divisions and a backlash over policy proposals. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm elections.