North Carolina Sen. Tillis announces retirement, cites partisan gridlock

Thom Tillis, a Republican Senator from North Carolina, has announced his retirement from the Senate at the end of his term. Tillis, who was one of only two Republicans to vote against advancing President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” cited the changing political landscape and the need for bipartisanship as reasons for his decision.

Tillis expressed his concerns about the lack of bipartisanship in Washington, stating that leaders who are willing to embrace compromise and independent thinking are becoming rare. He emphasized the importance of independent thinking and praised former Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema for their willingness to stand up to party pressure.

The Senator’s decision to retire comes after facing criticism from Trump and threats of a primary challenge. Trump, who was pushing for the passage of his bill, labeled Tillis as a “grandstander” and vowed to find a challenger to run against him in the upcoming election.

Tillis, in response to the criticism, highlighted the importance of spending time with his family and avoiding the partisan gridlock in Washington. He made it clear that he will not seek reelection and will prioritize his personal life over another term in office.

The retirement of Tillis sets the stage for a competitive race in North Carolina, with Democrats likely to seize the opportunity to win the seat. Trump’s involvement in the race and his efforts to find a suitable challenger will undoubtedly add a layer of complexity to the election.

Overall, Tillis’ decision to retire reflects the changing dynamics within the Republican Party and the ongoing struggle for bipartisanship in Washington. His departure will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the political landscape in North Carolina and the Senate as a whole.

The article was written by Alex Miller, a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.