His decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections, creating a wide-open Senate race in a state that has long been a

W ASHINGTON—Centrist Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) said he won’t seek re-election in 2026, less than 24 hours after he voted against a motion to advance President Trump’s tax and spending megabill, drawing public backlash from the president.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced Sunday he is not seeking reelection next year, a day after he was one of only two Republicans who voted against advancing President Donald Trump’s sweeping agenda bill.