Senator Thom Tillis has been a prominent political figure representing North Carolina since 2015. This guide provides an overview of his political career, key legislative actions, policy stances, and notable moments.
Most Recent Election Victory
In the 2020 U.S. Senate election, Thom Tillis secured re-election to represent North Carolina. Facing Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham, Tillis won with approximately 48.7% of the vote, while Cunningham received about 47%. This closely contested race underscored North Carolina’s status as a battleground state. Tillis’s victory ensured his continued service in the Senate, with his current term set to conclude on January 3, 2027.
Political Path to Becoming a Senator
Tillis’s political journey began at the local level in Cornelius, North Carolina. In 2003, he was elected to the town’s Board of Commissioners, marking his entry into public service. His leadership and commitment led to his election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2006, representing the 98th district. Demonstrating his aptitude for leadership, Tillis was chosen by his peers to serve as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in enacting job-creating policies and reforming the state’s tax and regulatory codes. His state-level successes laid the foundation for his successful U.S. Senate campaign in 2014.
Military Service
After graduating from high school in 1978, Tillis enlisted in the United States Air Force. However, his military career was unexpectedly cut short due to a severe car accident that resulted in a significant hand injury. This injury led to an honorable discharge before he could commence active duty. Following his discharge, Tillis transitioned into the civilian workforce, starting with a warehouse position that paid minimum wage. This early experience in the labor force influenced his perspectives on employment and economic policies.
Party Leadership Roles
Within the Republican Party, Tillis has held significant leadership positions. As Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, he was instrumental in advancing the party’s legislative agenda at the state level. His leadership was marked by efforts to implement conservative policies, including tax reforms and regulatory changes aimed at fostering economic growth. In the U.S. Senate, Tillis has continued to be an influential voice within the Republican caucus, contributing to key policy discussions and legislative strategies.
Key Bills as a Senator
Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Tillis has been active in sponsoring and supporting legislation across various policy areas:
- Immigration: Tillis introduced the Immigration Detainer Enforcement Act, aiming to clarify the Department of Homeland Security’s detainer authority and encourage cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, which seeks to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable for non-compliance with federal immigration detainer requests. Thom Tillis
- Public Health: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tillis supported legislation aimed at providing relief to individuals and businesses affected by the crisis. His efforts included advocating for funding to support vaccine distribution and resources for healthcare providers.
- Veterans’ Affairs: Tillis has been a proponent of legislation designed to support veterans, focusing on improving access to healthcare services, enhancing benefits, and facilitating a smoother transition to civilian life for service members.
Votes and Stances on Economic Issues
Senator Tillis consistently advocates for conservative economic policies:
- Minimum Wage: He has expressed opposition to increasing the federal minimum wage, suggesting that such mandates could lead to increased costs for businesses and potential job losses. Tillis has argued that the government should not set a minimum wage, referring to it as an “artificial threshold.” Fayetteville Observer
- Tax Policy: Tillis supports tax reforms that aim to reduce rates for individuals and corporations, believing that lower taxes can stimulate economic growth and job creation. He was a proponent of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which implemented significant tax reductions.
- Regulatory Reform: Emphasizing the importance of a business-friendly environment, Tillis has advocated for reducing regulatory burdens on companies. He has argued that excessive regulations can stifle innovation and hinder economic progress.
Votes and Stances on Social Issues
On social matters, Tillis maintains positions aligned with conservative principles:
- Abortion: He identifies as pro-life and has supported legislation aimed at restricting access to abortion services. Tillis has backed measures to defund organizations that provide abortions and has endorsed policies that impose stricter regulations on abortion providers.
- Same-Sex Marriage: Earlier in his career, Tillis opposed same-sex marriage and supported a constitutional amendment in North Carolina defining marriage as between a man and a woman. However, over time, his stance has evolved. In 2022, he voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which sought to codify protections for same-sex and interracial marriages at the federal level. Wikipedia
- Second Amendment Rights: A strong advocate for gun rights, Tillis has opposed legislation that he perceives as infringing upon the Second Amendment. He has received significant support from gun rights organizations and has emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership.
Votes and Stances on Immigration and Amnesty
Immigration has been a focal point of Tillis’s legislative efforts:
Tillis has taken a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for stricter border security while supporting some legal protections for undocumented individuals. He co-sponsored the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, which penalizes jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement. Tillis also introduced the SUCCEED Act, offering a path to legal status for DACA recipients while emphasizing merit-based immigration. He opposed broad amnesty measures and voted against bills that would provide a pathway to citizenship without strong border security provisions. Tillis consistently supports increased border funding and stricter enforcement against illegal immigration.