Thom Tillis

Tillis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, the son of Margie and Thomas Raymond Tillis, a boat draftsman. He was the oldest boy among six children, with three older sisters. By the time he was 17, his family had moved 20 times, living in New Orleans and Nashville, among other places; Tillis never attended the same school in consecutive years. Tillis, his father, and his two brothers are all named Thomas Tillis.{{Cite web |last=Morrill |first=Jim |date=2022-08-16 |title=Thom Tillis and the Art of the Deal |url=http://www.theassemblync.com/politics/thom-tillis-and-the-art-of-the-deal/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=The Assembly NC |language=en-US}} One of his brothers, Thomas "Rick" Tillis, served in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Following his 1978 graduation from high school, Tillis left home to get a job. He then attended Chattanooga State Community College before receiving a Bachelor of Science in technology management from the University of Maryland University College in 1996.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessnc.com/articles/2012-04/business-s-man-category|title=House speaker Thom Tillis is North Carolina's most focused free-market legislative leader in a long time — maybe ever|author=Martin|first=Edward|work=Business North Carolina|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423212213/http://www.businessnc.com/articles/2012-04/business-s-man-category|archive-date=April 23, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Morrill|first=Jim|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/02/02/961930/the-rise-of-thom-tillis.html|title=The rise of Thom Tillis|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, NC|date=February 2, 2011|access-date=June 25, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511214055/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/02/02/961930/the-rise-of-thom-tillis.html|archive-date=May 11, 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://businessnc.com/businesss-mancategory/|title=Business's man|date=April 16, 2012|website=Business North Carolina|first=Edward|last=Martin|language=en-US|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022213747/https://businessnc.com/businesss-mancategory/|url-status=live}}

After high school, Tillis worked at Provident Life and Accident Insurance Co. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, helping computerize records in conjunction with Wang Laboratories, a computer company in Boston. Wang eventually hired Tillis to work in its Boston office. He spent two and a half years there before being transferred back to Chattanooga, and then Atlanta. In 1990, he was recruited to work for accounting and consulting firm Price Waterhouse.{{Cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9114047.html|title=Thom Tillis' work ethic, learned from his father, set his career on path|last=Frank|first=John|date=April 17, 2014|website=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127164340/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9114047.html|url-status=live}} In 1996, Tillis was promoted to partner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.charlottemagazine.com/thom-tillis-is-the-strategist/|title=Thom Tillis Is the Strategist|first=Greg|last=Lacour|date=October 17, 2013|website=Charlotte Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812042431/https://www.charlottemagazine.com/thom-tillis-is-the-strategist/|url-status=bot: unknown}} In 1998, he and his family moved to Cornelius, North Carolina.

PricewaterhouseCoopers sold its consulting arm to IBM in 2002{{Cite news|last1=Lohr|first1=Steve|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/31/business/markets-market-place-ibm-will-pay-pricewaterhouse-3.5-billion-for-consulting.html|title=I.B.M. Will Pay Pricewaterhouse $3.5 Billion for Consulting Unit|date=2002-07-31|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-03-18|last2=Glater|first2=Jonathan D.|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610151216/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/31/business/markets-market-place-ibm-will-pay-pricewaterhouse-3.5-billion-for-consulting.html|url-status=live}} and Tillis went to IBM as well. Tillis began his political career in 2002 in Cornelius, as he pushed for a local bike trail and was elected to the town's park board. He ran for town commissioner in 2003 and tied for second place.

After a two-year term as town commissioner, Tillis ran for the General Assembly in 2006. He defeated incumbent John W. Rhodes in the Republican primary and went on to win the election unopposed. Tillis was reelected unopposed in 2008, 2010 and 2012. He formally left IBM in 2009. He was campaign chairman for the House Republican Caucus in 2010. After Republicans won a majority in the North Carolina House for the first time since 1998, Tillis was chosen as Speaker, the fifth Republican to hold the role, and was unanimously reelected in 2013.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/8659908/|title=N.C. Republicans choose leaders|first=Gary D.|last=Robertson|date=November 20, 2010|work=WRAL.com|access-date=July 25, 2017|language=en|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822175800/http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/8659908/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/9002694|work=WRAL|agency=Associated Press|title=GOP-led legislature begins with budget, maps ahead|date=January 26, 2011|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623144734/https://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/9002694/|url-status=live}} Governing magazine named Tillis and North Carolina Senate President pro tempore Phil Berger "GOP Legislators to Watch" in 2011.{{cite news|last1=Trenkner|first1=Tina|title=GOP Legislators to Watch|url=https://www.governing.com/GOP-legislators-to-watch.html|access-date=September 24, 2020|work=Governing|date=May 24, 2011|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121092325/https://www.governing.com/GOP-legislators-to-watch.html|url-status=live}}

The state house overseen by Tillis restructured the state's tax code,{{cite news|title=McCrory, legislative leaders announce tax deal|url=http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/McCrory-legislative-leaders-announce-tax-deal-215575101.html|access-date=April 2, 2014|newspaper=Charlotte WCNC.com|date=July 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085400/http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/McCrory-legislative-leaders-announce-tax-deal-215575101.html|archive-date=April 7, 2014}} redrew North Carolina's congressional districts,{{cite web |last1=Mills |first1=Thomas |title=What Does Thom Tillis Want? |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/09/what-does-thom-tillis-want/380749/ |website=The Atlantic |date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008193855/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/09/what-does-thom-tillis-want/380749/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Dovere |first1=Edward-Isaac |title='If They Don't Like the Process, Change the Rules' |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/10/24/thom-tillis-interview-trump-senate-republicans-rino-215738 |website=Politico |language=en |date=October 24, 2017 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006120058/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/10/24/thom-tillis-interview-trump-senate-republicans-rino-215738 |url-status=live }} and passed legislation to sunset existing state rules and regulations and limit new regulations to ten years.{{cite news|title='Thoughtful, methodical' regulatory reform planned|first=Matthew|last=Burns|url=http://www.wral.com/-thoughtful-methodical-regulatory-reform-planned/12096781|access-date=April 2, 2014|newspaper=WRAL.com|date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407064208/http://www.wral.com/-thoughtful-methodical-regulatory-reform-planned/12096781/|url-status=live}}

After Republican Pat McCrory was elected governor in 2012, Tillis presided over legislation reducing early voting days, invalidating ballots cast outside one's precinct, and requiring specific kinds of photo ID in order to vote.{{cite news |last1=Wan |first1=William |title=Inside the Republican creation of the North Carolina voting bill dubbed the 'monster' law |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/inside-the-republican-creation-of-the-north-carolina-voting-bill-dubbed-the-monster-law/2016/09/01/79162398-6adf-11e6-8225-fbb8a6fc65bc_story.html |access-date=August 6, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 2, 2016 |archive-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720155415/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/inside-the-republican-creation-of-the-north-carolina-voting-bill-dubbed-the-monster-law/2016/09/01/79162398-6adf-11e6-8225-fbb8a6fc65bc_story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Pilkington |first1=Ed |title=Woman who faced Jim Crow takes on North Carolina's powers over voting rights |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/25/north-carolina-voter-id-law-jim-crow-african-american |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=September 25, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927154212/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/25/north-carolina-voter-id-law-jim-crow-african-american |url-status=live }} A top Tillis aide had previously requested data on photo ID ownership by race, which showed that black people would be significantly more likely than white people to become unable to vote if such legislation passed. Tillis said he requested the data to ensure the bill would not violate federal laws against discrimination. The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the restrictions, writing in its opinion that they "target African Americans with almost surgical precision".

In 2014, 14 people protesting cuts to the earned income tax credits program and Tillis's refusal to expand Medicaid were arrested after staging a sit-in in his office.{{cite web |title=14 arrested after sit-in at legislative building |url=https://abc11.com/moral-monday-protest-north-carolina-general-assembly/79538/ |website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |publisher=Associated Press |language=en |date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623144735/https://abc11.com/moral-monday-protest-north-carolina-general-assembly/79538/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blythe |first1=Anne |title=14 Moral Monday demonstrators arrested during sit-in at Thom Tillis' office |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9125510.html |website=Charlotte Observer |date=May 27, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027142021/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9125510.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Maguire |first1=Marti |title=Moral Monday protesters arrested at North Carolina legislative offices |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northcarolina-protests/moral-monday-protesters-arrested-at-north-carolina-legislative-offices-idUSKBN0E82AQ20140528 |website=Reuters |language=en |date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623144735/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northcarolina-protests/moral-monday-protesters-arrested-at-north-carolina-legislative-offices-idUSKBN0E82AQ20140528 |url-status=live }}

File:Senator Thom Tillis Official Portrait.jpg

{{main|2014 United States Senate election in North Carolina}}

In 2014, Tillis announced that he would not seek reelection to the state House, instead running for U.S. Senate against first-term Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan.{{cite news|title=Henderson County Republican Convention|first=Renee|last=Bindewald|url=http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20140322/ARTICLES/140329959?p=1&tc=pg|access-date=April 2, 2014|newspaper=BlueRidgeNow.com|date=March 22, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407094256/http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20140322/ARTICLES/140329959?p=1&tc=pg|url-status=live}} In the Republican primary, he was endorsed by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush,{{cite news|last1=Joseph|first1=Cameron|title=Report: Jeb Bush to endorse Tillis in North Carolina|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/204783-report-jeb-bush-to-endorse-tillis-in-north-carolina/|access-date=July 3, 2014|work=The Hill|date=April 30, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714181319/http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/204783-report-jeb-bush-to-endorse-tillis-in-north-carolina|url-status=live}} then-North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory,{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=John|title=Gov. McCrory endorses Thom Tillis for US Senate|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/29/3820697/gov-mccrory-endorses-thom-tillis.html|access-date=July 3, 2014|work=The News & Observer|date=April 29, 2014|archive-date=April 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430044927/http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/29/3820697/gov-mccrory-endorses-thom-tillis.html|url-status=live}} former presidential candidate Mitt Romney,{{cite news|title=Romney endorses Tillis on eve of North Carolina primary|first=Sean|last=Sullivan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/05/romney-endorses-tillis-on-eve-of-north-carolina-primary|date=May 5, 2014|access-date=May 5, 2014|newspaper=Washington Post|archive-date=May 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505150221/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/05/romney-endorses-tillis-on-eve-of-north-carolina-primary/|url-status=live}} and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.{{cite news|title=US Chamber of Commerce Backs Tillis in NC Race|first=Philip|last=Elliott|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-us-chamber-of-commerce-backs-tillis-in-nc-race-2014apr10-story.html?_amp=true|agency=Associated Press|access-date=September 24, 2020|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=April 10, 2014|archive-date=June 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623144736/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-us-chamber-of-commerce-backs-tillis-in-nc-race-2014apr10-story.html?_amp=true|url-status=live}} The New York Times called Tillis a "favorite of the party establishment."{{Cite news|last=Peters|first=Jeremy W.|date=November 8, 2014|title=With Fear of Being Sidelined, Tea Party Sees the Republican Rise as New Threat|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/us/politics/before-battling-democrats-gop-is-fighting-itself-.html|access-date=May 18, 2018|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621224417/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/us/politics/before-battling-democrats-gop-is-fighting-itself-.html|url-status=live}}

During his primary campaign, Tillis skipped four candidate forums and one of three televised primary debates in an effort to avoid lesser-known rivals, and to cement his image as the "inevitable nominee".{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/197473-north-carolina-conservatives-wonder-wheres-thom-tillis/|title=NC conservatives wonder: Where's Tillis?|author=Cameron Joseph|access-date=February 5, 2013|work=Roll Call|date=May 12, 2014|archive-date=February 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207031148/http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/197473-north-carolina-conservatives-wonder-wheres-thom-tillis|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=John |title=Thom Tillis to skip major GOP primary debate |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article10321931.html |website=News & Observer |date=April 14, 2014 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107045224/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article10321931.html |url-status=live }} Tillis was criticized during the Republican primary for raising money from groups lobbying the state House.{{cite news|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2013/07/nrsc-visits-n-c-in-search-for-hagan-challenger-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605123828/http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2013/07/nrsc-visits-n-c-in-search-for-hagan-challenger-10|archive-date=June 5, 2015|title=NRSC Visits N.C. in Search for Hagan Challenger|author=Sarah Mimms|access-date=July 10, 2013|work=National Journal|date=May 12, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=John|title=Thom Tillis campaign money overlaps with legislative, super PAC interests|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/03/3755514/thom-tillis-campaign-money-overlaps.html|access-date=July 3, 2014|work=The News & Observer|date=May 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408034918/http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/03/3755514/thom-tillis-campaign-money-overlaps.html|archive-date=April 8, 2014}} On May 6, he won the nomination with 45.68% of the vote over Greg Brannon and Mark Harris, described as a victory for the Republican establishment over the insurgent Tea Party movement.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thom-tillis-captures-gop-senate-nomination-in-north-carolina|title=Thom Tillis captures GOP Senate nomination in North Carolina|access-date=May 12, 2014|publisher=CBS News|date=May 6, 2014|archive-date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513084855/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thom-tillis-captures-gop-senate-nomination-in-north-carolina/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=NCSBE Election Results|url=http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=05/06/2014|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=January 2, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231034108/http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=05%2F06%2F2014|archive-date=December 31, 2014}}

Tillis was announced the winner of the Senate race on November 4. He received 48.8% of the vote, the lowest winning total in North Carolina history for a U.S. Senate candidate; Hagan garnered 47.3%.{{cite news|url=http://www.news-record.com/blogs/clark_off_the_record/tillis-percent-is-lowest-winning-total-in-north-carolina-history/article_44b5a328-64f9-11e4-b28c-001a4bcf6878.html|title=Tillis' 48.87 percent is lowest winning total in North Carolina history|access-date=November 5, 2014|publisher=News and Record|date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904131035/https://greensboro.com/blogs/clark_off_the_record/tillis-percent-is-lowest-winning-total-in-north-carolina-history/article_44b5a328-64f9-11e4-b28c-001a4bcf6878.html|archive-date=2019-09-04}}{{cite web|url=http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11/04/2014|title=11/04/2014 Official General Election Results – Statewide|date=November 4, 2014|work=NC Board of Elections|access-date=December 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127130653/http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11%2F04%2F2014|archive-date=January 27, 2015}}

During the 2014 campaign, the Tillis campaign and the North Carolina Republican Party paid $345,000 to the data analysis firm Cambridge Analytica to microtarget voters.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wral.com/tillis-may-have-benefited-from-facebook-data-breach/17427902/|title=Tillis may have benefited from Facebook data breach|first=Laura|last=Leslie|work=WRAL.com|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320000034/http://www.wral.com/tillis-may-have-benefited-from-facebook-data-breach/17427902/|url-status=live}} The company later touted their work on Tillis's campaign, including "psychographic profiles for all voters in North Carolina" that enabled "tailored messages" for particular audiences. Tillis's connections to the firm were scrutinized after revelations that its data had been illicitly harvested from Facebook.{{Cite news|url=http://abc11.com/politics/tillis-ncgop-scrutinized-for-ties-to-facebook-data-breach-firm/3236357/|title=Tillis, NCGOP scrutinized for ties to Facebook data breach firm|last=Brown|first=Joel|date=2018-03-20|work=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|access-date=2018-03-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320064403/http://abc11.com/politics/tillis-ncgop-scrutinized-for-ties-to-facebook-data-breach-firm/3236357/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article205946479.html|title=Tillis and NC Republicans paid $345,000 to the data firm that's now banned from Facebook|work=The News & Observer|first1=Brian|last1=Murphy|first2=Lynn|last2=Bonner|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044112/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article205946479.html|url-status=live}}

In the 2014 election, Tillis received $22,888,975 in "dark money", which constituted 81% of non-party outside spending in support.{{cite web |title=Outside Spending and Dark Money in Toss-Up Senate Races: Post-Election Update {{!}} Brennan Center for Justice |url=https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/outside-spending-and-dark-money-toss-senate-races-post-election-update |website=www.brennancenter.org |access-date=August 21, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812063348/https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/outside-spending-and-dark-money-toss-senate-races-post-election-update |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9138026.html | title=Outside spending, 'dark' money fuel N.C. Senate race | newspaper=The Charlotte Observer | first=Jim | last=Morrill | date=July 4, 2014 | access-date=September 3, 2014 | archive-date=March 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074919/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9138026.html | url-status=live }} OpenSecrets placed the final cost of outside spending at $8.5 million for Hagan and $35.5 million attacking Tillis, and $13.7 million for Tillis and $20.9 million attacking Hagan, placing the totals by candidate at $44 million for Hagan, and $34.6 million for Tillis.{{cite web | url=https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?disp=R | title=2014 Outside Spending, by Race | publisher=OpenSecrets | date=November 10, 2014 | access-date=May 6, 2021 | archive-date=April 26, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426073251/http://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?disp=R | url-status=live }}

{{main|2020 United States Senate election in North Carolina}}

Tillis ran for and won reelection in 2020. He was challenged in the Republican primaries by conservative businessman Garland Tucker, who spent $1.3 million to finance his campaign before dropping out in December 2019, after Trump endorsed all incumbent Republican senators up for election in 2020, including Tillis.{{cite web |last=Pathé |first=Simone |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Garland Tucker drops Senate primary challenge to North Carolina's Thom Tillis |url=https://www.rollcall.com/2019/12/02/garland-tucker-drops-senate-primary-challenge-to-north-carolinas-thom-tillis/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919020148/https://www.rollcall.com/2019/12/02/garland-tucker-drops-senate-primary-challenge-to-north-carolinas-thom-tillis/ |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |work=Roll Call}}{{cite web |last1=Barrón-López |first1=Laura |last2=Arkin |first2=James |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Tillis primary challenger drops out in North Carolina |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/02/thom-tillis-primary-challenger-drops-out-074774 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028010238/https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/02/thom-tillis-primary-challenger-drops-out-074774 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |work=Politico}} Tillis won the March 3 Republican primary and faced Democratic nominee Cal Cunningham in the November general election.{{cite news |last1=Bowden |first1=John |date=March 3, 2020 |title=Tillis wins North Carolina Senate primary |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/485810-tillis-wins-nc-senate-primary/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706223044/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/485810-tillis-wins-nc-senate-primary |archive-date=July 6, 2020}} Cunningham led Tillis in the polls for most of the year. In October 2020, Cunningham acknowledged having an extramarital affair and his lead in the polls was reduced to less than two points before election day.{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Dylan |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Sen. Thom Tillis holds off Democratic challenger in North Carolina, a crucial win for Republicans |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/11/10/21536477/senate-2020-north-carolina-thom-tillis-winner |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110203622/https://www.vox.com/2020/11/10/21536477/senate-2020-north-carolina-thom-tillis-winner |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=Vox}} Tillis received 48.7% of the vote to Cunningham's 46.9%.{{cite web |date=November 3, 2020 |title=North Carolina U.S. Senate Election Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-north-carolina-senate.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111015043/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-north-carolina-senate.html |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=The New York Times}}

After the release of the Access Hollywood tape during the 2016 United States presidential election, Tillis called Trump's comments "indefensible". According to Politico, he "began the Trump era by negotiating with Democrats on immigration and co-authoring legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller" but has increasingly aligned himself with the president due to pressure from his party.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/18/trump-thom-tillis-north-carolina-071091|title=Trump's new best friend in North Carolina|last=Everett|first=Burgess|website=Politico|language=en|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413102026/https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/18/trump-thom-tillis-north-carolina-071091|url-status=live}} While occasionally criticizing Trump's tone, Tillis said in 2017 that he had "not deviated once from any nomination or any vote that the president happens to be supportive of" and has voted with Trump's stated positions 90% of the time as of January 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/thom-tillis/|title=Tracking Congress In The Age Of Trump: Thom Tillis|date=2019-10-10|website=FiveThirtyEight|publisher=ABC News|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=2020-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512173936/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/thom-tillis/|url-status=dead}}

In 2016, Tillis opposed filling the then Supreme Court vacancy until after the election, adding the nomination "would be best left to the next president."{{Cite web|date=September 19, 2020|title=GOP senators confront past comments on Supreme Court vote|url=https://apnews.com/1c42ab69fe886d1b2133129006918e7f|access-date=September 21, 2020|work=AP News|first=Matthew|last=Daly|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921005742/https://apnews.com/1c42ab69fe886d1b2133129006918e7f|url-status=live}} With around seven months until the 2016 presidential election, Tillis argued that the United States was "in the middle of a presidential election, and the Senate majority is giving the American people a voice to determine the direction of the Supreme Court". In September 2020, with less than two months to the next presidential election, Tillis supported an immediate vote on President Trump's nominee.{{cite news |last1=Desjardins |first1=Lisa |title=What every Republican senator has said about filling a Supreme Court vacancy in an election year |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-every-republican-senator-has-said-about-filling-a-supreme-court-vacancy-in-an-election-year |access-date=September 30, 2020 |work=PBS NewsHour |date=September 22, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031171254/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-every-republican-senator-has-said-about-filling-a-supreme-court-vacancy-in-an-election-year |url-status=live }} The day after Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, he said Trump would pick a "well-qualified and conservative jurist" while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden would pick a "liberal activist".{{Cite news|last=Barrows|first=Kari|date=September 19, 2020|title=Sen. Tillis confirms he will support Trump's "well-qualified and conservative" SCOTUS pick|language=en-US|work=WLOS|url=https://wlos.com/news/local/sen-tillis-confirms-he-will-support-trumps-well-qualified-and-conservative-scotus-pick|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923091444/https://wlos.com/news/local/sen-tillis-confirms-he-will-support-trumps-well-qualified-and-conservative-scotus-pick|url-status=live}}

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tillis apologized after he was spotted not wearing a face mask in a crowd during Trump's acceptance speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention, saying, "I fell short of my own standard."{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Gary |title=Tillis apologizes for failing to keep mask on at White House |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tillis-apologizes-failing-mask-white-house-72686624 |website=ABC News |language=en |date=August 28, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006055645/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tillis-apologizes-failing-mask-white-house-72686624 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Knutson |first1=Jacob |title=Sen. Thom Tillis says he "fell short" by not wearing mask at Trump's RNC speech |url=https://www.axios.com/sen-thom-tillis-mask-trump-acceptance-speech-13177e3f-cd52-4183-a335-13b3151a5ac5.html |website=Axios |language=en |date=August 28, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920120718/https://www.axios.com/sen-thom-tillis-mask-trump-acceptance-speech-13177e3f-cd52-4183-a335-13b3151a5ac5.html |url-status=live }} He was criticized after he suggested that Hispanic people were harder hit because they were less likely to wear masks and practice social distancing.{{cite news |last1=Chiu |first1=Allyson |title='Respect the people that feed America': GOP senator slammed for suggesting Hispanics don't wear masks or social distance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/17/mask-hispanic-tillis-covid/ |newspaper=Washington Post |date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929012529/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/17/mask-hispanic-tillis-covid/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Thomasi |title=Latino Leaders Take Thom Tillis to Task for Misinformed, Racist Comments on the Coronavirus |url=https://indyweek.com/news/northcarolina/latino-leaders-thom-tillis-coronavirus/ |website=Indy Week |language=en-us |date=July 22, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927230659/https://indyweek.com/news/northcarolina/latino-leaders-thom-tillis-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Duncan |first1=Conrad |title=Republican senator criticised for suggesting Hispanic people less likely to wear masks |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/thom-tillis-republican-senator-coronavirus-hispanic-face-masks-social-distancing-a9626131.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/thom-tillis-republican-senator-coronavirus-hispanic-face-masks-social-distancing-a9626131.html |archive-date=2022-05-07 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Independent |language=en |date=July 18, 2020}}{{cbignore}} Tillis tested positive for COVID-19 on October 2, 2020, after a White House event.{{cite web |last1=Carney |first1=Jordain |title=GOP Sen. Thom Tillis tests positive for coronavirus |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/519443-gop-sen-thom-tillis-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ |website=The Hill |language=en |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003210647/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/519443-gop-sen-thom-tillis-tests-positive-for-coronavirus |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=7 attendees of SCOTUS nomination at Rose Garden test positive for COVID-19|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/attendees-scotus-nomination-rose-garden-test-positive-covid/story?id=73391378|access-date=2020-10-03|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114110428/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/attendees-scotus-nomination-rose-garden-test-positive-covid/story?id=73391378|url-status=live}} He broadly supported Governor Roy Cooper's handling of COVID-19, an unusual stance for a prominent North Carolina Republican.{{Cite news|last=Harrison|first=Steve|date=April 27, 2020|title=While NC Republicans Increasingly Criticize Cooper, Tillis Stands By Governor|language=en-US|work=WFAE|url=https://www.wfae.org/politics/2020-04-27/while-nc-republicans-increasingly-criticize-cooper-tillis-stands-by-governor|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425163434/https://www.wfae.org/politics/2020-04-27/while-nc-republicans-increasingly-criticize-cooper-tillis-stands-by-governor|url-status=live}} He also took a stance against claims that North Carolina's COVID-19 case increases were due to migrants entering the state, saying, "the biggest factor right now is we have far too many people who are refusing to get the vaccine."{{Cite web |url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2021/08/27/senator-thom-tillis-conservative-group-blame-covid-unvaccinated-not-immigrants-nc/5599251001/ |title=GOP senator to Asheville business group: COVID-19 unvaccinated the problem, not immigrants |last=Burgess |first=Joel |access-date=August 27, 2021 |work=Asheville Citizen Times |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623144736/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2021/08/27/senator-thom-tillis-conservative-group-blame-covid-unvaccinated-not-immigrants-nc/5599251001/ |url-status=live }}

• Senate Taiwan Caucus{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Senate Taiwan Caucus 118th Congress (2023-2024) |url=https://fapa.org/senate-taiwan-caucus/ |accessdate=8 October 2024 |publisher=Formosan Association for Public Affairs |format=}}
• Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus

Tillis opposes abortion.{{Cite web|title=Changing Tack, GOP Candidates Support Over-The-Counter Birth Control|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/09/12/347749930/changing-tack-gop-candidates-support-better-access-to-birth-control|website=NPR.org|first=Mara|last=Liasson|date=September 12, 2014|language=en|access-date=May 28, 2020|archive-date=October 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005004706/https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/09/12/347749930/changing-tack-gop-candidates-support-better-access-to-birth-control|url-status=live}} In 2011, while speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, he helped the House pass a law, later struck down by the courts, requiring abortion providers to perform an ultrasound on women seeking abortions four hours before the procedure.{{cite news |last1=Pilkington |first1=Ed |title=North Carolina race shows how parties have traded places on culture wars |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/02/north-carolina-culture-wars-republicans-democrats-traded-places |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=November 2, 2014 |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819075717/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/nov/02/north-carolina-culture-wars-republicans-democrats-traded-places |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=State to appeal rejection of abortion ultrasound law|url=https://www.wral.com/state-to-appeal-rejection-of-abortion-ultrasound-law/13369318/|date=February 7, 2014|publisher=WRAL|language=en|access-date=May 28, 2020|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804225305/https://www.wral.com/state-to-appeal-rejection-of-abortion-ultrasound-law/13369318/|url-status=live}} When the law was struck down, Tillis said that the ultrasound provision was "the most critical part of the law" and that the decision should be appealed. In 2012, he voted to defund Planned Parenthood in North Carolina.{{Cite news|date=October 16, 2014|title=New TV ads hit Tillis on women's health, Hagan on federal insurance|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article10098209.html}}{{Cite web|title=Ad Check: Is Thom Tillis Really Bad For Women?|url=https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/ad-check-is-thom-tillis-really-bad-for-women/83-297934190|website=wfmynews2.com|language=en-US|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812231432/https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/ad-check-is-thom-tillis-really-bad-for-women/83-297934190|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Tillis supported a motorcycle safety bill that had been surreptitiously amended to include restrictions on abortion.{{cite web |last1=Northam |first1=Ran |title="Motorcycle Vagina" Bill One Year Later |url=https://chapelboro.com/news/state-government/motorcycle-vagina-bill-one-year-later |website=Chapelboro |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011114114/https://chapelboro.com/news/state-government/motorcycle-vagina-bill-one-year-later |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Tim |title=Mr. Motorcycle Abortion Bill Goes to Washington |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/07/kay-hagan-thom-tillis-abortion-race/ |website=Mother Jones |date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008173648/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/07/kay-hagan-thom-tillis-abortion-race/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blest |first1=Paul |title=Carolina Burning: Thom Tillis Built the Fire. Now It Could Consume Him. |url=https://theintercept.com/2020/08/09/senator-thom-tillis-republican-north-carolina/ |website=The Intercept |date=August 9, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005014337/https://theintercept.com/2020/08/09/senator-thom-tillis-republican-north-carolina/ |url-status=live }}

In 2014, a Tillis spokesman told The Washington Post that Tillis would support a personhood bill if it were brought to the Senate floor, but only if abortion would continue to be legal "in cases of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is in danger" and if women would continue to "have access to contraceptives."{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/state-abortion-restrictions-fuel-fight-for-senate-109784.html|title=Abortion laws fuel fight for Senate|last=Cunningham|first=Paige Winfield|website=Politico|date=June 8, 2014|language=en|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512091541/http://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/state-abortion-restrictions-fuel-fight-for-senate-109784.html|url-status=live}}

In a 2011 speech, Tillis said, "What we have to do is find a way to divide and conquer the people who are on assistance" by getting people who "had no choice" but to receive public assistance "to look down at these people who choose to get into a condition that makes them dependent on the government."{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/tillis-i-do-regret-phrasing-divide-conquer-comment-n99221|title=Tillis: 'I Do' Regret Phrasing of 'Divide and Conquer' Comment|work=NBC News|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114052157/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/tillis-i-do-regret-phrasing-divide-conquer-comment-n99221|url-status=live}} After a video of the speech was publicized three years later while he was running for the US Senate, Tillis faced some blowback, with some likening the comment to Mitt Romney's "47%" remark. Tillis said he regretted the phrasing "divide and conquer" but defended the remark's substance.

In 2014, Tillis opposed increasing the federal minimum wage, and declined to comment on increasing North Carolina's minimum wage from $7.25 an hour after opposing the idea in 2010.{{cite web |last1=Joseph |first1=Cameron |title=Tillis opposed increasing NC wage in 2010 |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/205631-tillis-opposed-increasing-nc-minimum-wage-in-2010/ |website=The Hill |language=en |date=May 8, 2014 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818225015/https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/205631-tillis-opposed-increasing-nc-minimum-wage-in-2010 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last=Frank|first=John|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9100181.html|title=Thom Tillis opposes minimum wage hike, stops short of supporting repeal|date=June 8, 2014|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=April 25, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120222625/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article9100181.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/thom-tillis-hits-kay-hagan-on-minimum-wage-106440.html|title=Tillis hits Hagan on minimum wage|last=Topaz|first=Jonathan|website=Politico|language=en|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=April 26, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124032622/http://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/thom-tillis-hits-kay-hagan-on-minimum-wage-106440.html|url-status=live}} He suggested the government should not set a minimum wage at all, calling it an "artificial threshold" that "drives up costs" and could reduce jobs.

In 2015, Tillis illustrated his attitude towards regulation by saying coffee-shop companies should be able to "opt out" of hand-washing regulations "as long as they post a sign that says, 'We don't require our employees to wash their hands after leaving the restroom.' The market will take care of that."{{cite news |last1=Itkowitz |first1=Colby |title=Senator says restaurant employees shouldn't be required to wash their hands |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/03/the-next-public-health-debate-hand-washing/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 3, 2015 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010082721/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/03/the-next-public-health-debate-hand-washing/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Bradner |first1=Eric |title=Tillis: Government shouldn't require restaurant hand-washing |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/02/03/politics/tillis-washing-hands-bathroom/index.html |website=CNN |date=February 3, 2015 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820200136/https://www.cnn.com/2015/02/03/politics/tillis-washing-hands-bathroom/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Sanchez |first1=Humberto |title=Thom Tillis: Keep Government Out of the Bathroom |url=https://www.rollcall.com/2015/02/03/thom-tillis-keep-government-out-of-the-bathroom/ |website=Roll Call |language=en |date=February 3, 2015 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110164639/https://www.rollcall.com/2015/02/03/thom-tillis-keep-government-out-of-the-bathroom/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Stracqualursi |first1=Veronica |title=Senator Suggests Restaurant Employees Shouldn't Have to Wash Hands |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senator-restaurant-employees-wash-hands/story?id=28701837 |website=ABC News |language=en |date=February 3, 2015 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101025217/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senator-restaurant-employees-wash-hands/story?id=28701837 |url-status=live }}

In January 2018, Tillis was one of 36 Republican senators to sign a letter to Trump requesting he preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/finance/371492-senate-republicans-call-on-trump-to-preserve-nafta/|title=Senate Republicans call on Trump to preserve NAFTA|date=January 30, 2018|first=Vicki|last=Needham|work=The Hill|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=December 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223164034/https://thehill.com/policy/finance/371492-senate-republicans-call-on-trump-to-preserve-nafta|url-status=live}}

In 2007, Tillis voted in favor of a measure to give North Carolina a renewable portfolio standard; in 2020, the state was second in solar energy production. During his first speech on the Senate floor, in 2015, Tillis called for opening up the United States' Atlantic coast for offshore drilling.{{cite web |last1=Ordoñez |first1=Franco |title=Tillis promotes offshore drilling in first US Senate floor speech |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article10229936.html |website=The News & Observer |date=January 22, 2015 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923041017/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article10229936.html |url-status=live }} He opposed the Clean Power Plan and supported Trump's rollback of it.{{cite news |last1=Glover |first1=Asha |title=Ads on Facebook Target Senators Against Clean Power Plan |url=https://morningconsult.com/2015/11/23/ads-on-facebook-target-senators-against-clean-power-plan/ |website=Morning Consult |date=November 23, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613003025/https://morningconsult.com/2015/11/23/ads-on-facebook-target-senators-against-clean-power-plan/ |url-status=live }} In 2017, he called on Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.{{cite web |last1=Hellerstein |first1=Erica |title=Thom Tillis Urged Trump to Pull Out of Paris Climate Accord, Netted $263,400 From Oil and Gas Companies |url=https://indyweek.com/news/archives/thom-tillis-urged-trump-pull-paris-climate-accord-netted-263-400-oil-gas-companies/ |website=INDY Week |language=en-us |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111190558/https://indyweek.com/news/archives/thom-tillis-urged-trump-pull-paris-climate-accord-netted-263-400-oil-gas-companies/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Tom |last2=Gambino |first2=Lauren |title=The Republicans who urged Trump to pull out of Paris deal are big oil darlings |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/01/republican-senators-paris-climate-deal-energy-donations |website=The Guardian |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |archive-date=June 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601120951/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/01/republican-senators-paris-climate-deal-energy-donations |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Letter from 22 Republican U.S. Senators to President Donald Trump|url=https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/download/?id=E1E34574-5655-42AA-92E8-0D23DC8C33BA&download=1|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606005302/https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/download/?id=E1E34574-5655-42AA-92E8-0D23DC8C33BA&download=1|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Tillis denied that climate change was occurring. In 2015, he voted against an amendment acknowledging its existence and the contribution of human activity.{{cite web|date=January 22, 2015|work=Citizen Times|last=Barrett|first=Mark|title=Burr, Tillis say climate change is real — but|url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/elections/2015/01/22/burr-tillis-climate-change-global-warming-not-a-hoax/22170965/|access-date=September 24, 2020}} In 2018, Tillis said he believed climate change is happening and that humans may contribute to it, but remained unclear about whether he agrees with the scientific consensus on climate change that it is human-caused.{{cite web|url=http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2018/08/07/exclusive-thom-tillis-speaks-on-climate-change|title=EXCLUSIVE: Thom Tillis speaks on climate change|date=August 7, 2018|publisher=Spectrum News Charlotte|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916182723/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2018/08/07/exclusive-thom-tillis-speaks-on-climate-change|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Brian|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article220601050.html|title=From 'no' to a 'reality': NC Republicans adopt different posture on climate change|date=October 25, 2018|work=The News & Observer|access-date=February 25, 2020|archive-date=March 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303013308/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article220601050.html|url-status=live}} In his 2020 Senate campaign, InsideClimate News described Tillis as trying to "remake himself as a moderate proponent of market-based climate solutions" despite a "record as a fossil fuel advocate closely aligned with Trump".{{Cite web|last=Lavelle|first=Marianne|date=2020-09-14|title=Senate 2020: In Storm-Torn North Carolina, an Embattled Republican Tries a Climate-Friendly Image|url=https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04092020/senate-2020-north-carolina-climate-change-election-thom-tillis-cal-cunningham|access-date=September 20, 2020|website=InsideClimate News|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917002922/https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04092020/senate-2020-north-carolina-climate-change-election-thom-tillis-cal-cunningham|url-status=live}}

In November 2017, Tillis opposed Trump's nomination of Michael Dourson for an EPA role.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/07be552e19a34b268c225960150a6875/GOP-senators-from-NC-come-out-against-Trump-EPA-nominee|title=Sens. Richard Burr, Thom Tillis come put against Trump EPA nominee, putting nomination at risk|date=November 16, 2017|publisher=AP News|access-date=October 5, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008143148/https://apnews.com/07be552e19a34b268c225960150a6875/GOP-senators-from-NC-come-out-against-Trump-EPA-nominee|url-status=live}} In 2019, Tillis was one of 20 senators to sign a letter asking the EPA to regulate the amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, after reports that they would not.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/428102-senators-call-on-epa-to-restrict-key-drinking-water-contaminants/|title=Senators call on EPA to restrict key drinking water contaminants|date=February 1, 2019|work=The Hill|access-date=October 5, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009091436/https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/428102-senators-call-on-epa-to-restrict-key-drinking-water-contaminants|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://detroitnews.com/story//news/politics/2019/03/01/peters-pfas-contamination-bil-senate/3027339002/|title=Senate bill would declare PFAS chemicals hazardous under Superfund law|date=March 1, 2019|publisher=The Detroit News}}

Tillis holds a 9% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters.

In 2017, Tillis was one of 21 senators to sign a letter condemning the genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.{{cite news|url=https://eu.indystar.com/story/news/2017/10/20/sen-todd-young-urges-action-end-muslim-genocide-myanmar/784590001/|title=Sen. Todd Young urges action to end Muslim genocide in Myanmar|date=October 22, 2017|work=IndyStar|first=Fatima|last=Hussein|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=June 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608003143/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/10/20/sen-todd-young-urges-action-end-muslim-genocide-myanmar/784590001/|url-status=live}} In 2020, he expressed support for the US military's assassination of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani by drone strike at the Baghdad International Airport.{{cite web|url=https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/1/sen-thom-tillis-trump-acted-appropriately-by-ordering-soleimani-strike-iran-retaliation-was-expected|title=Sen. Thom Tillis: Trump acted 'appropriately' by ordering Soleimani strike, Iran retaliation was 'expected'|website=tillis.senate.gov|publisher=Office of Senator Thom Tillis|date=January 8, 2020|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006080247/https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/1/sen-thom-tillis-trump-acted-appropriately-by-ordering-soleimani-strike-iran-retaliation-was-expected|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/thom-tillis-qassem-soleimani-iran-iraq-strike|title=Sen. Tillis: Soleimani was in Iraq orchestrating another attack before US strike|publisher=Fox News|date=January 3, 2020|first=Joshua|last=Nelson|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218105854/https://www.foxnews.com/media/thom-tillis-qassem-soleimani-iran-iraq-strike|url-status=live}}

In February 2025, after President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator" and blamed him for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Tillis called Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal and the "greatest threat of democracy in my lifetime". He also called Putin a "liar, murderer, a man responsible for ordering the systematic torture, kidnapping and rape of innocent civilians",{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2025 |title=GOP lawmaker warns that Putin is a 'cancer' in fiery speech |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/20/politics/video/gop-senator-tillis-trump-putin-cancer-speech-senate-floor-digvid |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=CNN}} but did not directly criticize Trump's approach to the conflict.{{Cite news |last=Jimison |first=Robert |date=2025-02-19 |title=As Trump Turns Against Ukraine, Republicans in Congress Stay Quiet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/us/politics/trump-ukraine-russia-republicans.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In the state House, Tillis supported an overhaul of gun laws allowing concealed weapons to be carried in restaurants and parks.{{cite web |title=Report: Burr, Tillis among Congress' top beneficiaries of NRA money |url=https://www.wral.com/report-burr-tillis-among-congress-top-beneficiaries-of-nra-money/17097920/ |website=WRAL |language=en |date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311150121/https://www.wral.com/report-burr-tillis-among-congress-top-beneficiaries-of-nra-money/17097920/ |url-status=live }} He has an "A+" rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF),{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF {{!}} North Carolina |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/north-carolina |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104214300/https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/north-carolina/ |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |language=en-us |url-status=usurped}} which spent $4.4 million during his 2014 Senate campaign, half in support of Tillis and half in opposition to Hagan.{{cite web |last1=Morrill |first1=Jim |last2=Murphy |first2=Brian |title=NC senators got more money from the NRA than most lawmakers. Here's why. |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article200241689.html |website=The Charlotte Observer |date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114235322/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article200241689.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Soo Rin |title=Which lawmakers got the most NRA money? |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/lawmakers-nra-money/story?id=53230001 |website=ABC News |date=February 21, 2018 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930224543/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/lawmakers-nra-money/story?id=53230001 |url-status=live }} As of 2018, Tillis was the third-largest beneficiary of NRA funding in Congress.

After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Tillis voted for Republican bills to increase funding for the federal background check system and delay gun sales for 72 hours for individuals on the terrorist watchlist, but against Democratic bills to ban individuals on the terrorist watchlist from purchasing a gun and require background checks at gun shows and during online sales.{{cite web|last1=Fram|first1=Alan|last2=Jalonik|first2=Mary Clare|title=A divided Senate answers Orlando with gridlock on gun curbs|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.wral.com/senate-votes-won-t-end-election-year-stalemate-on-guns/15791545/|website=WRAL|date=June 20, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2017|language=en|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006012417/http://www.wral.com/senate-votes-won-t-end-election-year-stalemate-on-guns/15791545/|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Tillis was one of 15 Republican senators to support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which involved funding for state red flag provisions and crisis intervention orders, funding for school safety resources, stronger background checks for buyers under age 21, and penalties for straw purchases.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/12/politics/senate-gun-safety-agreement/index.html|title=Bipartisan group of senators announces agreement on gun control|website=CNN|last1=Bash|first1=Dana|authorlink1=Dana Bash|last2=Raju|first2=Manu|authorlink2=Manu Raju|last3=Judd|first3=Donald|date=June 12, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-date=June 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235027/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/12/politics/senate-gun-safety-agreement/index.html|url-status=live}}

Tillis opposes the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has repeatedly voted to repeal it.{{cite web |last1=Specht |first1=Paul |title=Fact check: Did Tillis vote to 'take away' coverage for pre-existing conditions? |url=https://www.wral.com/fact-check-did-tillis-vote-to-take-away-coverage-for-pre-existing-conditions/18980628/ |website=WRAL |language=en |date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924005819/https://www.wral.com/fact-check-did-tillis-vote-to-take-away-coverage-for-pre-existing-conditions/18980628/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=In race vs. Tillis, Democrat Cunningham makes pitch for Medicaid expansion |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article243797637.html |website=The News & Observer |date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005132245/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article243797637.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthreformvotes.org/congress/412668|title=Sen. Thom Tillis: key health care votes|website=HealthReformVotes.org|language=en|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=August 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831162752/https://www.healthreformvotes.org/congress/412668|url-status=live}} In the state House of Representatives, he led the Republican effort to block the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina.{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Dylan |title=North Carolina's all-important 2020 Senate race, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/21444532/cal-cunningham-thom-tillis-2020-north-carolina-senate-race |website=Vox |language=en |date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924160123/https://www.vox.com/21444532/cal-cunningham-thom-tillis-2020-north-carolina-senate-race |url-status=live }} As the legislation prevents a governor from expanding the program, North Carolina remains one of only 12 states not to have done so as of September 2020. Tillis has said that health care is "not a government responsibility" and that he will "do everything in his power to overturn Obamacare."{{Cite web|url=https://www.ontheissues.org/social/Thom_Tillis_Health_Care.htm|title=Thom Tillis on Health Care|website=On the Issues|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918144927/https://ontheissues.org/social/Thom_Tillis_Health_Care.htm|url-status=live}}

In 2018, amid attempts to repeal the ACA, Tillis introduced legislation to compensate for the ACA's requirement that insurers cover people with preexisting conditions. The bill was criticized for containing loopholes that exempted insurers from covering issues related to preexisting conditions and for failing to match the ACA's protections against discrimination. Tillis subsequently backtracked and said he could make improvements to the bill, and that it was merely intended to start a discussion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/19/obamacare-midterms-republicans-pre-exisiting-conditions-793328|title=Republicans 'duck and cover' on pre-existing conditions|last=Cancryn|first=Adam|website=Politico|language=en|date=September 19, 2018|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308071934/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/19/obamacare-midterms-republicans-pre-exisiting-conditions-793328|url-status=live}}

In 2017, amid moves by President Trump to cancel DACA, Tillis proposed legislation to allow some undocumented youth brought to the U.S. as children to apply for renewable five-year residency, and eventually citizenship, as a more conservative alternative to the bipartisan DREAM Act. High school graduates under 31 would be eligible on conditions including regular employment, military service, or engagement in higher education. Unlike the DREAM Act, it would be possible to apply for citizenship only after 15 years, and the bill would prevent those who had become citizens from petitioning to grant residency to immediate family members, as well as require temporary visa recipients to waive their right to a hearing in case of a term violation.{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Seung Min |title=GOP senators unveil new 'Dreamers' bill |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/25/dreamers-republican-new-bill-243100 |website=POLITICO |language=en |date=September 25, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018161955/https://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/25/dreamers-republican-new-bill-243100 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article170547392.html|title=N.C. senator tosses Trump a conservative life raft for Dreamers|work=McClatchyDC|date=September 1, 2017|first1=Franco|last1=Ordonez|first2=Brian|last2=Murphy|first3=Anita|last3=Kumar|access-date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901153008/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article170547392.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Elizabeth |title=Fact check: Republican challenger attacks Sen. Thom Tillis' immigration policies |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231154103.html |website=News & Observer |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125175304/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231154103.html |url-status=live }}

In February 2019, Tillis wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post opposing Trump's national emergency declaration concerning the southern border, which diverted funding from the Department of Defense to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/02/25/i-support-trumps-vision-border-security-i-would-vote-against-emergency/|title=I support Trump's vision on border security. But I would vote against the emergency.|last=Tillis|first=Thom|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|date=February 26, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2020|archive-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427025508/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/02/25/i-support-trumps-vision-border-security-i-would-vote-against-emergency/|url-status=live}} He wrote, "I cannot justify providing the executive with more ways to bypass Congress." Tillis faced pressure from Trump and conservatives to support the emergency declaration, and some conservatives proposed a primary challenge against Tillis in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article227742754.html|title=Tillis reverses course, votes to support Trump on national emergency declaration|website=News & Observer|first=Brian|last=Murphy|date=March 14, 2019|language=en|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=March 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315144643/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article227742754.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/251b167add5f4256ba05d815590219d5|title=Tillis changes vote, supports Trump on border emergency|first1=Matthew|last1=Daly|first2=Gary D.|last2=Robertson|date=March 14, 2019|agency=Associated Press|work=AP News|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927044638/https://apnews.com/251b167add5f4256ba05d815590219d5|url-status=live}} A week after making a statement reiterating his opposition, Tillis reversed his position and voted for Trump's declaration.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/14/thom-tilliss-remarkable-flip-flop-trumps-national-emergency-others-who-also-backed-off/|title=Thom Tillis's remarkable flip-flop on Trump's national emergency and 4 others who also backed off|first=Aaron|last=Blake|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507141847/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/14/thom-tilliss-remarkable-flip-flop-trumps-national-emergency-others-who-also-backed-off/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/mar/20/thom-tillis/supporting-trump-tillis-completely-reverses-course/|title=By supporting Trump, Tillis completely reverses course|work=PolitiFact|language=en-US|first=Paul|last=Specht|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2020|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527023503/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/mar/20/thom-tillis/supporting-trump-tillis-completely-reverses-course/|url-status=live}}

Tillis opposes net neutrality.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wral.com/republican-senate-candidates-say-they-would-not-back-net-neutrality/13601638|title=Republican Senate candidates say they would not back net neutrality|publisher=WRAL|first=Mark|last=Binker|date=April 28, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212719/https://www.wral.com/republican-senate-candidates-say-they-would-not-back-net-neutrality/13601638/|url-status=live}} In 2017, he co-sponsored the Restoring Internet Freedom Act, a bill to nullify the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet Order.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/republican-senators-have-introduced-a-bill-that-would-end-net-neutrality-forever/|title=Republican Senators Have Introduced a Bill That Would End Net Neutrality Forever|last=Gustin|first=Sam|date=May 2, 2017|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815165149/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/jpye93/republican-senators-have-introduced-a-bill-that-would-end-net-neutrality-forever|url-status=live}} In March 2017, Tillis voted for the Broadband Consumer Privacy Proposal that removed the FCC's internet privacy rules and allowed internet service providers to sell customers' browsing history without their permission.{{Cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=1&vote=00094|title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 115th Congress - 1st Session|website=www.senate.gov|access-date=2020-04-26|archive-date=2020-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117025533/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=1&vote=00094|url-status=live}}

In May 2020, Tillis voted against an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to bar warrantless surveillance of web browser history.{{Cite web|title=How the local N.C. delegation to Congress voted recently|url=https://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/how-the-local-n-c-delegation-to-congress-voted-recently/article_cd98aaac-372b-5baa-8da1-7f92cdf44f00.html|website=Greensboro News and Record|date=May 16, 2020 |language=en|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522054808/https://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/how-the-local-n-c-delegation-to-congress-voted-recently/article_cd98aaac-372b-5baa-8da1-7f92cdf44f00.html|url-status=live}} In April 2020, Tillis, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's intellectual property panel, wrote that he was concerned that the Internet Archive's "National Emergency Library" initiative, which temporarily expanded access to its 1.4 million-book collection during the COVID-19 shutdown, violated copyright law. He argued that the Internet Archive was deciding to "re-write copyright law at the expense of authors, artists, and creators"; the Internet Archive argued that it was a licensed library in the state of California and that the Copyright Act of 1976 "provides flexibility to libraries and others to adjust to changing circumstances."{{cite web|url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/internet-archive-defends-massive-online-emergency-library|title=Internet Archive Defends Massive Online 'Emergency Library'|work=Bloomberg Law|date=April 13, 2020|first=Kyle|last=Jahner|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907071343/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/internet-archive-defends-massive-online-emergency-library|url-status=live}}

Tillis inserted an amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to make the unauthorized commercial streaming of copyrighted material a felony. Under this amendment, people and service providers would face up to three years in prison for unlawfully transmitting copyrighted material.{{Cite web|last=Thom|first=Tillis|date=|title=Protecting Lawful Streaming Act of 2020|url=https://www.tillis.senate.gov/services/files/A30B0C08-FB97-4F90-BB60-43283EB7AF35|access-date=December 18, 2020|website=United States Senate|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222174314/https://www.tillis.senate.gov/services/files/A30B0C08-FB97-4F90-BB60-43283EB7AF35|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Makena|date=December 22, 2019|title=New 'felony streaming' measure is aimed at piracy services, not Twitch streamers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/22/22195658/felony-streaming-tillis-youtube-twitch-content-creator-copyright-dmca|access-date=January 27, 2020|website=The Verge|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222190930/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/22/22195658/felony-streaming-tillis-youtube-twitch-content-creator-copyright-dmca|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Tillis, then speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, played a leading role in pushing for North Carolina Amendment 1, a state constitutional amendment that banned same-sex marriage and civil unions.{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=Group backing Tillis calls him a 'pro-LGBTQ Republican.' What does the record say? |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article230492919.html |website=News & Observer |date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104173613/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article230492919.html |url-status=live }} In 2014, he appealed a ruling that it was unconstitutional.{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Michael |title=Tillis, Berger to appeal same-sex marriage ruling, attorney says |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9202913.html |website=The Charlotte Observer |date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610060558/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9202913.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=NC Speaker Tillis vows to fight same-sex marriage ruling |url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nc-speaker-tillis-vows-fight-same-sex-marriage-rul/112973362/ |website=WSOC-TV |date=October 13, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624082040/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nc-speaker-tillis-vows-fight-same-sex-marriage-rul/112973362/ |url-status=live }}

In 2015, in the Senate, Tillis voted for an amendment to a non-binding resolution that would allow same-sex married couples living in states that do not recognize same-sex marriage to have access to government resources.{{cite web|last1=Schoof|first1=Renee|title=Tillis and Burr vote for same-sex marriage benefits|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article16536785.html|website=The News & Observer|access-date=December 27, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227180815/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article16536785.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tillis: For — and against — gay marriage?|url=https://www.greensboro.com/blogs/thinking_out_loud/tillis-for-and-against-gay-marriage/article_837a47e0-d564-11e4-b215-d7bab9c76a5c.html|website=Greensboro News and Record|first=Allen|last=Johnson|date=March 28, 2015|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507213852/https://www.greensboro.com/blogs/thinking_out_loud/tillis-for-and-against-gay-marriage/article_837a47e0-d564-11e4-b215-d7bab9c76a5c.html|url-status=live}}

In July 2022, Tillis said that he would "probably" support a bipartisan bill to codify same-sex marriage in the U.S.{{Cite web|first1=Ted|last1=Barrett|first2=Manu|last2=Raju|authorlink2=Manu Raju|website=CNN|date=July 20, 2022|title=Senators expect GOP support to grow for same-sex marriage bill in bid to overcome filibuster|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/20/politics/same-sex-marriage-republican-senators/index.html|access-date=July 21, 2022|language=en}} (In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that bans on same-sex marriage violated the U.S. Constitution.){{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/politics/2022/06/24/2015-supreme-court-case-obergefell-hodges-legalized-same-sex-marriage-nationwide/7725184001/|title=Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case in 2015 legalized same-sex marriage nationwide|website=www.usatoday.com}} Tillis later expressed support for a same-sex marriage bill.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/susan-collins-thom-tillis-confident-about-gay-marriage-bill-after-midterms-1743471|title=Susan Collins, Thom Tillis Confident About Gay Marriage Bill After Midterms|first=Fatma|last=Khaled|date=September 15, 2022|website=Newsweek}}{{Cite web|url=https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/heres-why-north-carolina-sen-thom-tillis-says-hes-pushing-for-the-respect-for-marriage-act/|title=Here's why North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis says he's pushing for the Respect for Marriage Act|date=November 17, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wavy.com/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/heres-why-north-carolina-sen-thom-tillis-says-hes-pushing-for-the-respect-for-marriage-act/|title=Here's why North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis says he's pushing for the Respect for Marriage Act|date=November 18, 2022}} In November 2022, Tillis called the Senate's same-sex marriage bill "'a good compromise... based on mutual respect for our fellow Americans'".{{cite web | title=Same-Sex Marriage Protection Bill Clears Initial Hurdle in U.S. Senate | website=US News & World Report | date=16 November 2022 | url=https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-11-16/u-s-senate-to-hold-initial-vote-on-bill-protecting-same-sex-marriage | access-date=3 March 2024}} On November 29, 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/respect-for-marriage-act-senate-vote-marriage-equality-bill/|title=Senate passes landmark Respect for Marriage Act in bipartisan vote|date=November 29, 2022|website=www.cbsnews.com}} Tillis voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the Senate and was enacted. The law repealed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and codified rights to same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/us/politics/republican-senators-vote-same-sex-marriage.html|title=The 12 Republican Senators Who Voted for the Same-Sex Marriage Law|first=Annie|last=Karni|work=The New York Times |date=December 13, 2022|via=NYTimes.com}}

In 2025, Tillis allegedly told Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth's ex-sister-in-law that if she signed a sworn statement testifying that she believed Hegseth has an alcohol-abuse problem and abused his second wife, it would "carry weight" and might cause Tillis and two other senators to vote against Hegseth's confirmation. She provided the sworn statement, but Tillis voted to confirm Hegseth. Tillis said the sworn statement did carry weight, and so he conveyed his concerns to the White House and conducted extensive research, but after he could not find firsthand corroboration of the claims, his vote followed "where the facts ultimately led".{{cite news |last1=Mayer |first1=Jane |title=Pete Hegseth's Secret History |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/pete-hegseths-secret-history?source=Paid_Soc_FBIG_CM_0_ASC_0_NYR_INT_Prospecting_C&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Paid_Soc_FBIG_CM&utm_brand=tny&utm_campaign=paid-ASC&utm_paidredirect=Paid_Soc_FBIG_CMASC_C&fbclid=IwY2xjawIgUVxleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqxhPH7jV5gEdqlRmryOnwok73YHq6SD5fEmAs1rIIiPRMW-TFQjsPDnOY0jVZHtlAnH9_aem_YLUyJYSh6WrCRr00LvvNSA |access-date=February 17, 2025}}{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Lindsay |title=Exclusive {{!}} Tillis Assured Hegseth's Former Sister-in-Law Her Testimony Could Convince GOP Senators to Vote No |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/pete-hegseth-affidavit-thom-tillis-08af5bce?st=CDkJjM&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}} According to reporting by the New York Times based on anonymous sources, Tillis changed his vote to yes when President Trump threatened to support a primary challenge against him. A Tillis spokesman disputed that report.{{cite news |last1=Karnie |first1=Annie |title=As Trump Threatened a Primary, a GOP Holdout on Hegseth Flipped |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/us/politics/hegseth-trump-tillis-senate.html |access-date=February 17, 2025}}{{Cite news |last=Karni |first=Annie |last2=LaFraniere |first2=Sharon |last3=Hulse |first3=Carl |last4=Kelly |first4=Kate |last5=Swan |first5=Jonathan |last6=Demirjian |first6=Karoun |date=2025-02-13 |title=As Trump Threatened a Primary, a G.O.P. Holdout on Hegseth Flipped |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/us/politics/hegseth-trump-tillis-senate.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Tillis subsequently voted to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services.

In May 2025, Tillis announced that he would oppose the confirmation of Ed Martin, President Trump's nominee for United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, due to Martin's defense of rioters who breached the Capitol during the January 6 United States Capitol attack.{{cite news |last1=Powers |first1=Martine |last2=Hsu |first2=Spencer S. |title=Ed Martin’s failed bid for U.S. attorney revealed the limits of Trump’s power |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/22/ed-martin-nomination-trump/ |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=The Washington Post |date=22 May 2025}} Tillis said, "We have to be very, very clear that what happened on January 6th was wrong."{{cite news |last1=Jalonick |first1=Mary Clare |last2=Durkin Richer |first2=Alanna |title=Key Republican says he won't back Trump's pick for top DC prosecutor because of Jan. 6 ties |url=https://apnews.com/article/ed-martin-prosecutor-january-6-trump-nominee-justice-7b9d392ff6a20ab6c25dd5f03b176c85 |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=AP News |date=6 May 2025 |language=en}} Tillis's opposition was fatal to Martin's confirmation prospects, and Trump withdrew the nomination.{{cite news |last1=Min Kim |first1=Seung |last2=Kunzelman |first2=Michael |title=Trump pulls the nomination of Ed Martin for DC US Attorney after concerns of partisanship |url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ed-martin-white-house-justice-department-thom-tillis-cecf801799faa2b56fd1bb4fac48379e |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=AP News |date=8 May 2025 |language=en}}

On May 28, 2021, Tillis voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the 2021 United States Capitol attack.{{cite news |newspaper=Washington Post |date=May 28, 2021 |title=Which senators supported a Jan. 6 Capitol riot commission |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/january6-commission-senators-vote/ |access-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526225939/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/january6-commission-senators-vote/ |url-status=live }} In August 2021, he said, "many involved needed to be held accountable and go to prison."

In 2022, Tillis was among the 11 senators who voted against the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, a bill that funded research and benefits for up to 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service, saying he doubted the ability of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the legislation effectively.{{Cite web |last=Nzanga |first=Merdie |title=GOP senators vote against PACT act, a bill to help veterans impacted by toxic substances |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/08/03/pact-act-11-senate-republicans-opposed/10223007002/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Dress |first=Brad |date=2022-08-03 |title=These 11 GOP senators voted against the Honoring Our Pact Act |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3586430-these-11-gop-senators-voted-against-the-honoring-our-pact-act/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250505013141/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/3586430-these-11-gop-senators-voted-against-the-honoring-our-pact-act/ |archive-date=2025-05-05 |access-date=2025-05-22 |work=The Hill |language=en-US}}

Since 2015, Tillis has been a member of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus.{{Cite web |title=Grassley, Wyden Announce New Members of Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus {{!}} U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa |url=https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-announce-new-members-senate-whistleblower-protection-caucus |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=www.grassley.senate.gov |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509042347/https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-announce-new-members-senate-whistleblower-protection-caucus |url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}} The caucus was launched by a bipartisan group of senators in 2015 to raise awareness of the need for adequate protections against retaliation for private-sector and government employees who call attention to wrongdoing.{{Cite web |title=Bipartisan Group of Senators Launches Whistleblower Protection Caucus |url=https://www.whistleblowers.org/news/bipartisan-group-of-senators-launches-whistleblower-protection-caucus/ |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=National Whistleblower Center |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531003051/https://www.whistleblowers.org/news/bipartisan-group-of-senators-launches-whistleblower-protection-caucus/ |url-status=live }}

Tillis and his wife, Susan, live in Huntersville, North Carolina, and have two children.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/people/sen-thom-tillis|title=10 things to know about Thom Tillis|access-date=February 2, 2020|work=The Hill|archive-date=January 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121182534/https://thehill.com/people/sen-thom-tillis|url-status=dead}} Tillis previously twice married and twice divorced his high school sweetheart.{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/10-things-to-know-about-thom-tillis-106445|title=10 things to know about Thom Tillis|access-date=November 4, 2020|work=Politico|first=Jonathan|last=Topaz|date=May 7, 2014|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110222008/https://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/10-things-to-know-about-thom-tillis-106445|url-status=live}} He used to live in Cornelius, North Carolina, where he was elected to the town council.{{cite news|url=https://www.corneliustoday.com/voting-detail-strong-showing-for-trump-tillis/|title=Local voting detail: Strong showing for Trump, Tillis|access-date=February 2, 2020|date=November 4, 2020|work=Cornelius Today|archive-date=June 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623145057/https://www.corneliustoday.com/voting-detail-strong-showing-for-trump-tillis/|url-status=live}} His brother, Rick, was a state representative in Tennessee.{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee/articles/2018-07-29/a-look-at-key-primary-legislative-races-in-tennessee|title=A Look at Key Primary Legislative Races in Tennessee|access-date=November 29, 2018|work=U.S. News & World Report|date=July 29, 2018|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130073125/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee/articles/2018-07-29/a-look-at-key-primary-legislative-races-in-tennessee|url-status=live}}

Tillis is Catholic.{{cite web |title=Religious affiliation of members of the 119th Congress |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/12/pr_2025-01-02_faith-on-the-hill_member-list.pdf |publisher=Pew Research Center |access-date=January 8, 2025}}

On March 29, 2021, Tillis announced he had prostate cancer and would be undergoing surgery and treatment.{{cite news |last1=Zaslav |first1=Ali |title=North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announces he has prostate cancer but expects full recovery |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/thom-tillis-prostate-cancer-surgery/index.html |access-date=March 29, 2021 |work=CNN |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329161932/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/thom-tillis-prostate-cancer-surgery/index.html |url-status=live }} Tillis said he had no symptoms and the cancer was discovered during a routine annual physical. He encouraged all men to have regular prostate health screenings.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=NC senator Thom Tillis undergoing prostate cancer surgery |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article250286550.html |access-date=March 29, 2021 |work=Raleigh News & Observer |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623145108/https://account.newsobserver.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=250286550&intcid=ab_archive |url-status=live }}

{{main|Electoral history of Thom Tillis}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [https://www.tillis.senate.gov Senator Thom Tillis] official U.S. Senate website
• [https://www.thomtillis.com/ Campaign website]
• {{C-SPAN|77055}}

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Category:1960 births

Category:21st-century members of the North Carolina General Assembly

Category:21st-century United States senators

Category:Catholics from North Carolina

Category:Florida Republicans

Category:IBM employees

Category:Living people

Category:North Carolina Republicans

Category:People from Cornelius, North Carolina

Category:Politicians from Jacksonville, Florida

Category:PwC people

Category:Republican Party United States senators from North Carolina

Category:Speakers of the North Carolina House of Representatives

Category:Republican Party members of the North Carolina House of Representatives

Category:University of Maryland Global Campus alumni