Sen. Thom Tillis announced Sunday that he would not be seeking reelection, just one day after President Donald Trump threatened to support a primary challenger against the North Carolina Republican owing to his vote against proceeding with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

There could be major implications for Republicans—with a possibility of losing the maverick centrist senator’s North Carolina seat in 2026.

Tillis’ announcement came after Trump was enraged by his vote against a motion to proceed on the 10-year fiscal package. 

“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the primary against Senator Thom Tillis,” Trump wrote Saturday night.

“I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America.”

Tillis voted against proceeding with the bill because of his opposition to lowering the provider tax, a tool states use to compel the federal government to provide more funding for Medicaid.

The next day, Tillis lamented “political theatre and partisan gridlock” as he announced his intent to retire at the end of his term late next year.

Tillis has been willing to cooperate with Democrats in the past, lending his support to “red flag” gun control laws and the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified federal recognition of same-sex........

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