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Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said he won't seek reelection after opposing President Donald Trump's major new tax and spending bill, which advanced in the Republican-controlled Senate Saturday night.


Sen. Thom Tillis says he won't seek reelection after opposing Trump's tax bill 

Now breaking news from WREL coverage you can count on. And we want to get you right to that breaking news here at 6 o'clock. North Carolina senior US Senator Tom Tillis says he will not seek re-election. Thank you for joining us. I'm Eric Miller. This comes after the Republican voted against President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill, which advanced in the Senate. Last night we're bringing you team coverage tonight. We've got reaction from both sides of the aisle in the WRIL Live Center, but first, let's get to WRAL's Heidi Kirk who joins us live from the senator's Raleigh office. Heidi Tillis has been a well-known figure in state politics for a long time. Eric, that is right. Senator Tillis has had a long career with the North Carolina's General Assembly, including spending time as the Speaker of the House, and now he's on his second term as a US senator, where he's known for making deals across the aisle, and now his tenure has come to an end. In a statement, Tillis said this, quote, as many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year and at times even joked about, I haven't exactly been excited about running for another term. He goes on to say, quote, It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election. Tillis's announcement came after the senator opposed what's known as Trump's big beautiful bill. That bill would cut taxes on wages and tips while increasing. Spending on many of the president's priorities, Tillis said Saturday he wouldn't support the bill, citing changes to Medicaid. He also said slashing the chips A would be devastating to North Carolina. Tillis' decision leaves an empty seat in the Senate. Political analyst David McLennan says it will be something to watch. We'll be hearing a lot about the North Carolina Senate seat. Both parties will be trying out candidates. So it'll be an opportunity for North Carolinians to get to know some new candidates. Tillis was already facing primary challengers, including businessman Andy Nielsson and Dan Brown, a former congressional candidate. On the Democratic side, Wiley Nickel announced that he's running for the 2026 Senate seat. Former Governor Roy Cooper is said to have been considering that seat. Well, it'll be something North Carolina voters will also be watching. I'm definitely wondering if whoever fills Tillis's role in North Carolina would be more likely to continue on in this fashion, or if it would be someone who would be more willing to stick to the mainstream Republican line or if it's someone who is looking towards a more bipartisan, you know, stance. A big shakeup in state politics, one that many will have their eyes on. Now of course it's important to note that Tillis's term will end at the end of 2026 and of course McClellan and other political analysts say that he could be a wild card now in the Senate, of course, something to watch in the months to come. Heidi Kirk, WRL News live in Raleigh. Heidi, thank you. And one of the candidates Heidi mentioned is former US Representative Wiley Nicol. We heard from Nicol earlier today. WRL's Megan Glover joins us now in the Live center with what he's saying and more reaction. Thank you Eric WREL spoke to Nicol just before we got on air and he says he's ready to flip a seat again. Now he also shared this on X. Take a look. Simply put, Tom Tillis is out. I'm the only Democrat in this race and I'm ready to win. Speaking of North Carolina Democrats, North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton shared this statement. Tom Tills spent years putting DC Republicans and corporate donors ahead of the people of North Carolina, and voters noticed. We look forward. To next November when North Carolinians will finally elect a senator that will actually fight for North Carolina. Moving on to reaction from NC GOP Chairman Jason Simmons, he says as we move forward into the midterms, we will hold the seat for Republicans in 2026, making mention of President Trump's America first priorities. And we end with President Trump. He said on Truth Social, great news. Senator Tom Tillis will not be seeking re-election. No word yet from Senator Ted Budd. We'll share any update from him when we get it. Back to you.

Sen. Thom Tillis

Sen. Thom Tillis not seeking reelection after opposing Trump's tax bill

Senator Thom Tillis, R-NC

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The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to Nov. 30. The most active time is late August into October, but it's possible to see a hurricane make landfall any time of the year. 

Hurricane season 2025: Tropical Depression Barry makes landfall

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At least two people were shot outside a Raleigh nightclub overnight, according to police.


Two women shot at Raleigh nightclub near Capital Boulevard, no arrests made

Two people shot near Raleigh nightclub

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says he is not planning to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are deals with the United States.

Trump says he's not planning to extend a pause on global tariffs beyond July 9

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A pickup truck plowed into a Pine Level church building late Saturday night, leaving a mess of crumbled bricks behind.


Driver falls asleep behind the wheel, crashes into Pine Level church building

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A woman is in critical condition after a crash early Sunday on Interstate 95 in Nash County.


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WRAL's Opinion section was launched in 2016 by Capitol Broadcasting Company to raise awareness of important statewide issues, fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging civic engagement to drive positive change for North Carolinians. As part of this initiative, Dennis Draughon has served as the company's editorial cartoonist since 2017, bringing sharp visual commentary to the platform. 

With a 38-year career that began at the former Raleigh Times, Draughon has also contributed to The Scranton Times-Tribune, The Durham News, The Fayetteville Observer and The (N.C.) Insider. His work has earned him several prestigious awards, including the 1993 Fischetti Award for Distinguished Achievement in editorial cartoons and the 1999 Golden Spike Award from the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists. More recently, he received Editor & Publisher Magazine's EPPY Award for best editorial/political cartoons, recognizing his impact in the digital news landscape. 

Through his work, Draughon continues to provide insightful and thought-provoking illustrations that enrich WRAL's Opinion section and engage readers across North Carolina.

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As early-onset cancer diagnoses surge among young people, doctors and researchers are urgently exploring potential causes including environmental and dietary factors, with ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles under scrutiny.


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Nash County's Pet Connection Center, under scrutiny for recent animal care violations, hosted a free adoption event to engage the community and promote transparency.


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You don't have to drive all the way to the North Carolina mountains to see beautiful waterfalls this season - there are several beautiful and historic waterfalls right here in the Triangle. One is even hidden in the middle of a Raleigh neighborhood.

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"Diagnosis: Young, The New Face of Cancer in NC" is the latest investigative documentary from the WRAL Doc unit, exploring the alarming trend of cancer striking younger adults in North Carolina and across the nation.
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The top July 4 fireworks, festivals, and food trucks in the Triangle + maps

List: July 4 fireworks, festivals, food trucks in the Triangle 

At a service filled with laughs and tears, friends, colleagues and family remembered the man who brought the news to thousands of North Carolinians every night for decades.


Legendary WRAL anchor and 'Cronkite of North Carolina' Charlie Gaddy laid to rest

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