Summary
Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not run for reelection after opposing a major budget bill supported by President Trump. He expressed concerns about the lack of independent thinking in Washington and criticized elements of the budget bill that he believes could harm people in North Carolina. The bill's changes to Medicaid are particularly controversial, with Tillis and others noting potential negative impacts on healthcare access.
Key Facts
- Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from North Carolina.
- Tillis will not seek reelection, citing a decline in independent political thinking.
- He opposed a budget bill important to President Trump, citing concerns over Medicaid cuts.
- The bill requires most adults to work to get Medicaid benefits and limits state taxes on medical providers.
- President Trump criticized Tillis for not supporting the bill and may support other candidates against him.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could result in nearly 12 million people losing health coverage.
- Trump has criticized other Republicans who oppose the bill, such as Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Thomas Massie.
- There is speculation about potential challengers for Tillis's Senate seat, including Lara Trump.
