Thom Tillis is an American politician serving as the senior U.S. Senator from North Carolina since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015, including a tenure as Speaker from 2011 to 2015.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 30, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillis is the eldest of six children. His family moved frequently during his youth, living in various cities, including New Orleans and Nashville. He attended Chattanooga State Community College and later earned a Bachelor of Science in technology management from the University of Maryland University College in 1996.
Political Career
In the North Carolina House of Representatives, Tillis was known for his conservative positions, including efforts to block Medicaid expansion, introduce abortion restrictions, implement stringent voting requirements, and pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 by defeating incumbent Kay Hagan, Tillis was reelected in 2020, defeating Democrat Cal Cunningham. He became North Carolina’s senior senator in 2023 following Richard Burr’s retirement.
Recent Activities
In March 2025, Tillis and Senator Gary Peters introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening medical supply chains to ensure better access to essential health care resources.
Additionally, Tillis has been involved in efforts to grant federal recognition to North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe, supporting their access to federal funds and resources.
Personal Life
Tillis resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife, Susan. They have two children. He has been open about his past health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2021, from which he has reportedly recovered.