Sen. Thom Tillis won't run for reelection in 2026

Sen. Thom Tillis won't run for re-election in 2026, the North Carolina Republican announced Sunday. Why it matters: Tillis faced a brutal fight to keep his seat, both in the general election and with the potential of Trump-backed primary challengers. "It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election," Tillis said in a statement announcing his plans. He was first elected to the Senate in 2014.Zoom in: Tillis voted against starting debate Saturday night on the "big, beautiful bill," and told lawmakers he'd also oppose the final version over its cuts to Medicaid.In response, President Trump said he'd meet with Tillis's challengers and accused the North Carolinian of grandstanding.Between the lines: Some Republicans are breathing a sigh of relief that they don't have to try to navigate a Tillis reelection. His numbers with moderates and the Republican base were creating major concerns for the party's ability to turn out a midterm coalition with Tillis on the ballot, sources told Axios. What they're saying: "In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," Tillis said in a statement.What to watch: There's a large pool of potential GOP candidates for Tillis' seat, including RNC chair Michael Whatley and former RNC vice chair Lara Trump. Lara Trump is "thinking" about a campaign, one Trump adviser told Axios.She "would have a hard time saying no if asked by her father in law," another Trump adviser told Axios, although they'd be "surprised if she wants to leave the amazing gig she has at Fox." One top Republican said she would have "right of first refusal."North Carolina also has a slate of freshman Republican congressmen who could be poised to throw their names in the hat. Among them: Reps. Pat Harrigan, Tim Moore and Brad Knott.This is a breaking news story and has been updated.

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