Thom Tillis (North Carolina)

Thom Tillis, born on August 30, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, is a Republican politician serving as the senior United States Senator from North Carolina since 2015. Before his tenure in the Senate, Tillis was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015, serving as Speaker from 2011 to 2015. He resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife, Susan, and they have two grown children.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Tillis attended Chattanooga State Community College and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland University College.

• Political Experience:

  • North Carolina House of Representatives: Elected in 2006, representing the 98th district.
  • Speaker of the House: Served from 2011 to 2015, where he played a key role in enacting job-creating policies and reforming North Carolina’s tax and regulatory codes.
  • U.S. Senate: Elected in 2014, defeating incumbent Kay Hagan, and re-elected in 2020.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Committee Assignments: As of his current term, Senator Tillis serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

• Legislative Actions:

  • Opposed the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina during his tenure as Speaker.
  • Supported the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
  • Voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided funding for state red flag laws and crisis intervention orders.

• Political Stance: Tillis has been recognized for his conservative positions on healthcare, immigration, and gun policy, aligning closely with the Republican Party's platform.

Senator Tillis continues to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate, focusing on issues pertinent to his constituents and the nation.