Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina shocked many Sunday by announcing he will not run for reelection next year.
The news came just one day after Tillis publicly rejected President Donald Trump’s major agenda bill, being one of only two Republicans to vote against it. He spoke out because he worried that Medicaid cuts in the bill would hurt the people he represents.
After his vote, Trump threatened to back a rival candidate to challenge Tillis for his Senate seat.
Tillis said his decision to quit “was not a hard choice.” He also said he wants to spend more time with his family.
“I look forward to having the pure freedom to call the balls and strikes as I see fit and representing the great people of North Carolina to the best of my ability,” Tillis said in a statement.
North Carolina is a key battleground state, and Tillis’ seat will be a big fight for Republicans trying to hold their slim Senate majority.
This story is developing and will be updated.
