The decision by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to not seek reelection next year could give Republican leaders headaches as he looks forward to wielding his newfound political freedom.

Tillis announced his retirement amid the GOP’s dash to pass the party’s tax and spending package, having cropped up as a surprise “no” vote in the final weeks of negotiations.

Now, questions are swirling about what’s to come from Tillis, who had been a reliable ally of Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) during his tenure as Republican leader, as he faces the next year-and-a-half untethered from what was to be a tough electoral fight and free to speak his mind. That could spell trouble for leaders as they work to keep the conference united on government funding, judicial nominations and other top priorities.

“You could have a member of the Senate who is going to support you 95 percent of the time, or you can have a member of the Senate that’s going to support you, but not near 95 [percent], and more free to speak and say what they think,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a top ally of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). “And now, I think you have a member who is here who is more interested in clearly speaking out and less reserved in what they have for criticisms.”

“It’s an independence that gives folks the opportunity to be a bit more direct with their comments,” Rounds continued. “I think you’ll find him to be a little bit more outspoken. A little less reserved. But I expect him to continue to participate.”

Tillis, in his retirement........

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