Overview

• On June 28, President Trump blasted Senator Thom Tillis on Truth Social for opposing his reconciliation megabill, accusing him of backing a 68 percent tax increase and misunderstanding debt extension.
• Tillis, who had discussed his objections with Trump in private calls, announced on July 8 that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
• Senate Republicans voiced frustration at the public shaming of a long-time GOP teammate and warned of the political risks in a vulnerable state.
• The Cook Political Report responded by shifting North Carolina’s open Senate contest from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up.”
• Republican leaders are scrambling to recruit a strong candidate to defend a pivotal seat in a chamber where their majority stands at 53-47.