Sen. Thom Tillis Announces That He Will Not Seek Re-Election
Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced that he no longer plans to seek re-election in 2026.
In his statement, Tillis said, “It has been a blessing to go on a journey from living in a trailer park and making minimum wage as a young man to having the honor of serving as U.S. Senator for North Carolina. I am proud of my career in public service, including hard-fought victories like passing historic tax reform as North Carolina Speaker, and working in the Senate to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and confirm three conservative Supreme Court justices and counting.”
“As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term. That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life, Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.”
What’s Next? Tillis’ decision now means that this is an open seat, one that Democrats will heavily target as a pickup opportunity. Democrats are still waiting on Gov. Cooper to make a final decision on a Senate run. When Tillis successfully ran in 2014 and 2020, the North Carolina Senate race broke fundraising records. The race in 2026 is on track for a similar spending pattern.
Possible Republican Senate Candidates:
Traditional Options: These are three leading Republicans who would be viewed as likely candidates to mount a Senate campaign.
N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger: Berger is a long-time North Carolina state leader and helped usher in the conservative resolution back in 2011 that transformed the Tar Heel State. Berger has flirted with a U.S. Senate run before, but so usually stays focused on North Carolina. Berger could mount a serious campaign for Senate but may not want to serve in Congress and deal with Washington politics.
Congressman Richard Hudson: Hudson is a longtime North Carolina Congressman who is currently serving his second term as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. In this role, Hudson has built a national fundraising network, experience on camera, and a deep network of stakeholders to help him with a Senate campaign.
Congressman and former NC House Speaker Tim Moore: Moore was recently elected to Congress after a successful stint as the longest-serving Speaker of the North Carolina House. While new to DC, Moore has deep connections across North Carolina from his time as Speaker.
Congressman Greg Murphy. Murphy was first elected to Congress in 2019, after serving in the North Carolina House. A doctor by training, Murphy has been a leader on healthcare issues.
These leaders are already playing key roles in advancing conservative policies and the Republican Party and may forgo a Senate run to continue their current service.
Non-Traditional Options: These are potential candidates that the political insiders have considered, but do not have the traditional resume.
Congressman Pat Harrigan: Harrigan is a freshman member of Congress who served overseas with the special forces and ran a small business in North Carolina. Rumors have been flying about a potential run, but generally speaking, freshmen Congressmen shy away from running for higher office in their first term.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley: Whatley was named as a possible candidate in 2022 when Republicans had an open seat. Given his background in the Senate, in particular his role as chief of staff of Senator Elizabeth Dole, Whatley brings deep connection to North Carolina and President Trump. However, his extensive political resume may not resonate with voters.
This is still the early stages, and almost every serious North Carolina Republican will reevaluate their election plans in light of the Tillis news.
