Senator Thom Tillis

Thom Tillis has served as a Republican U.S. Senator representing North Carolina since 2015. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Prior to entering politics, Tillis held various roles in the business sector, notably with PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM.

His political career began in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he served from 2007 to 2014. During his time in the state legislature, Tillis rose to the position of Speaker of the House (2011-2014), demonstrating his leadership abilities and influence within the Republican Party in North Carolina. He played a key role in shaping state policy, particularly in areas such as tax reform and budget management.

In the U.S. Senate, Tillis has focused on a range of issues, including national security, intellectual property protection, and healthcare. He sits on several prominent committees, including the Judiciary Committee, where he has been involved in the confirmation hearings of judicial nominees. His stance on judicial appointments generally aligns with conservative principles, advocating for judges who adhere to a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Tillis has been a vocal advocate for strengthening national security. He supports increasing military spending and modernizing the armed forces. He has also been involved in efforts to combat cybersecurity threats and protect critical infrastructure. His views on foreign policy generally favor a strong American presence on the global stage.

On the issue of intellectual property, Tillis has worked to protect patents and copyrights, arguing that strong protections are essential for innovation and economic growth. He has sponsored legislation aimed at deterring online piracy and promoting innovation in the digital age. This focus reflects his understanding of the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on the economy.

Healthcare has been a particularly prominent issue during Tillis’s tenure in the Senate. He has been critical of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has supported efforts to repeal or replace it. He has advocated for market-based reforms to the healthcare system, such as allowing insurance companies to sell policies across state lines and promoting health savings accounts. His approach to healthcare policy emphasizes individual choice and competition.

Throughout his career, Tillis has often positioned himself as a pragmatic conservative, willing to work across the aisle on certain issues while maintaining a generally conservative voting record. He has occasionally broken with his party, demonstrating independence on specific votes. This approach has sometimes drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, but it reflects his stated commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in North Carolina.

Tillis has faced re-election challenges and continues to be a prominent figure in North Carolina politics. His political positions and voting record are generally consistent with the Republican Party platform, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and a strong national defense.