Former Republican North Carolina House Speakers U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, left, and U.S. Rep. Tim Moore talk during the opening of the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at the Legislative Building. Travis Long [email protected]

WASHINGTON—Centrist Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) said he won’t seek re-election in 2026, less than 24 hours after he voted against a motion to advance President Trump’s tax and spending megabill, drawing public backlash from the president.

North Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis made an unexpected decision not to seek a third term. Here’s what the reaction has been.