GOP Sen. Thom Tillis passes on reelection bid after stoking Trump’s ire by voting against ‘big beautiful bill’

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis stunningly announced Sunday that he won’t seek reelection after drawing President Trump’s wrath over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, leaving a vulnerable GOP seat up for grabs.

Just before his sudden announcement, the Republican senator had rankled Trump by voting against advancing the marquee Trump legislation because of his concerns about the Medicaid provisions in the megabill.

“In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,” Tillis said in a statement Sunday.

“It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.”

After GOP Sen. Susan Collins’ seat in Maine, Tillis was widely viewed as the next most vulnerable incumbent senator.

Trump had fumed against Tillis on Saturday over his vote against advancing the act and threatened to back a primary challenge against him.

“Looks like Senator Thom Tillis, as usual, wants to tell the Nation that he’s giving them a 68% Tax Increase, as opposed to the Biggest Tax Cut in American History!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!” he added. “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis.”

This is a developing story. Check back for more information.