GOP Leaders Caught Off Guard by Tillis’s Abrupt Retirement Decision: ‘A Disappointment’

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis’s recent decision not to seek reelection in 2026 came as a shock to many of his colleagues and supporters in the state.

But along with his no-vote on the president’s reconciliation bill over Medicaid-related concerns, Tillis’s June 29 announcement that he would not seek a third term also came as a “disappointment” to members of Senate Republican leadership who spent the days leading up to his retirement announcement fundraising for him, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) told National Review in his first wide-ranging sit-down interview since passing the reconciliation bill.

About the Author

Audrey Fahlberg

Audrey Fahlberg was a politics reporter for National Review.

Featured Tags

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis’s recent decision not to seek reelection in 2026 came as a shock to many of his colleagues and supporters in the state.

But along with his no-vote on the president’s reconciliation bill over Medicaid-related concerns, Tillis’s June 29 announcement that he would not seek a third term also came as a “disappointment” to members of Senate Republican leadership who spent the days leading up to his retirement announcement fundraising for him, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) told National Review in his first wide-ranging sit-down interview since passing the reconciliation bill.