Overview

• Sen. Thom Tillis criticized Arthur Schwartz, a MAGA-aligned GOP consultant, for suggesting on social media that Republicans should replace Tillis in the 2026 Senate race due to poor polling against Democrat Roy Cooper.
• Tillis described Schwartz as a 'political hack' and accused him of undermining efforts to maintain the Republican Senate majority, which currently stands at 53-47.
• Schwartz, who is closely connected to the Trump family and Vice President JD Vance, argued that Tillis lacks support from the Republican base in North Carolina, a critical swing state.
• Tillis has faced criticism from MAGA Republicans in the past for positions such as supporting the certification of the 2020 election results and sponsoring legislation to protect the Mueller investigation.
• Republican Sen. Ted Budd defended Tillis, calling him a strong partner for North Carolina, while Schwartz doubled down on his claims, urging the GOP to find a 'serious candidate' for the seat.