Thom Tillis

On May 30, 2013, Thom Tillis announced his candidacy for the United States Senate. At the time, he was serving as the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and decided to pursue a Senate seat to challenge the incumbent Democrat, Kay Hagan. Tillis's campaign focused on reducing government spending, implementing tax reforms, and enhancing job growth. He also addressed issues such as energy independence and healthcare reform, aligning himself with broader Republican goals to win over conservative and independent voters. His entry into the race added significant momentum to the Republican efforts to regain control of the U.S. Senate.

On November 4, 2014, Thom Tillis was elected to the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan. This victory was part of a larger Republican wave during the 2014 midterm elections, which led the Republican Party to gain control of the Senate. Tillis, a Republican, was previously Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and ran a campaign focused on economic growth, government efficiency, and healthcare reform. His election was crucial for the GOP's strategy, as North Carolina was considered a key battleground state. Tillis's win in this closely contested race marked a significant achievement for the Republican Party and contributed to the GOP's overall success in the 2014 midterms.

On January 6, 2015, Thom Tillis was officially sworn into the United States Senate. This marked the beginning of his first term as a U.S. senator representing North Carolina. As a prominent Republican, Tillis's entrance into the Senate came during a time of significant political division in the United States. His experience as the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives and his platform focusing on conservative values, economic growth, and efficient governance were pivotal to his campaign. Tillis made it clear that he intended to work on issues such as healthcare reform, fiscal responsibility, and national security during his tenure in the Senate.

On July 19, 2016, Thom Tillis delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where he supported Donald Trump's presidential candidacy. Tillis highlighted themes of economic growth, national security, and Republican unity, positioning Trump as the candidate who would bring positive change to America. His speech was part of a concerted effort to rally support for Trump across key battleground states, including North Carolina. Tillis's endorsement of Trump reflected his alignment with the party's nominee and commitment to the Republican platform of the 2016 election cycle, strengthening his standing within the Republican Party.

On July 27, 2017, Thom Tillis, while participating in a race in Washington, D.C., collapsed due to dehydration and was briefly hospitalized. The race was a 3-mile event organized for charity purposes, and Tillis's dehydration scare was widely reported. However, he quickly recovered and returned to work shortly thereafter, assuring his constituents and colleagues of his robust health. This incident drew attention to Tillis's commitment to physical fitness and his resilience in the face of unexpected health challenges. His ability to quickly resume his Senate duties after the event reassured many about his capacity to continue representing North Carolina effectively.

On December 18, 2019, Thom Tillis voted against the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The House of Representatives had charged Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, related to the Ukraine scandal. As a U.S. senator, Tillis was part of the subsequent trial in the Senate, where he, along with most of his Republican colleagues, voted to acquit Trump. Tillis argued that the impeachment proceedings were politically motivated and criticized the Democrats for pursuing impeachment without sufficient evidence. His vote was consistent with the majority Republican stance during the impeachment trial, reaffirming his support for Trump's presidency.

On November 3, 2020, Thom Tillis won re-election to the United States Senate, defeating his Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham. The race was one of the most expensive in the 2020 election cycle, reflecting its high stakes as control of the Senate was in play. Tillis's victory was seen as crucial for the Republican Party, helping them maintain their influence in the Senate. Despite a scandal involving his opponent, Tillis managed to secure a win by appealing to conservative voters and focusing on his legislative achievements and alignment with then-President Donald Trump's policies. His campaign emphasized themes such as law and order, economic prosperity, and the importance of a balanced Supreme Court.

On February 3, 2021, Thom Tillis voted against proceeding with the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, who was accused of inciting insurrection in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. Tillis joined most Republican senators, arguing that the trial was unconstitutional since Trump was no longer in office. Tillis's decision reflected the divisive political climate and the strong partisan lines surrounding the impeachment proceedings. Despite this, the trial proceeded, but Tillis remained a staunch supporter of the argument that it was not appropriate to impeach a former president. His vote underscored his alignment with the majority of his party during this contentious period.

On January 13, 2022, Thom Tillis became one of a few Republican senators to publicly support a bill aimed at protecting same-sex marriage rights. The bill sought to codify same-sex marriage protections into federal law, amidst fears that the Supreme Court might overturn its 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. Tillis's support was significant, as bipartisan cooperation was crucial to pass this legislation in the Senate. His decision was based on the belief that same-sex marriage was settled law and should be protected. Tillis's stance highlighted a moment of potential cross-party collaboration on social issues within a predominantly polarized political environment.

On August 10, 2022, Thom Tillis expressed his support for aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act, a comprehensive bill aimed at tackling inflation, enhancing domestic energy production, and reducing the federal budget deficit. While the Act primarily received backing from Democrats, Tillis's support for certain provisions indicated a willingness to work across party lines to address pressing economic issues. Tillis emphasized the importance of financial prudence and energy independence, aligning with his long-standing focus on fiscal responsibility and national economic stability. His stance was notable for its emphasis on bipartisan policy solutions amid ongoing partisan divides.