The surprise announcement comes one day after Tillis opposed a massive bill for Trump’s agenda in the Senate.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced Sunday that he would not run for re-election, one day after he drew Donald Trump’s ire for opposing the party’s sweeping domestic policy package.

The surprise decision opens up seat in battleground North Carolina that was already set to be one of the most hotly contested races of the 2026 midterms.

Republicans are now forced to scramble to find a replacement for Tillis in a race that is a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms.