Thom Tillis (North Carolina)

Thom Tillis

Republican Party

U.S. Senate North Carolina

Tenure

2015 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

Predecessor

Kay Hagan

Prior offices

North Carolina House of Representatives District 98

* * *

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

University of Maryland

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Management consultant

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Thom Tillis (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from North Carolina. He assumed office on January 6, 2015. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Tillis (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent North Carolina. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Click here to read about key votes made by Tillis.

Prior to serving in the U.S. Congress, Tillis worked in management and consulting. He was elected for a two-year term as Cornelius Town Commissioner, and then he represented District 98 in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015. During that time, he served as the Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015.[1]

## Contents

* 1 Biography
* 2 Career
* 3 Committee assignments
* 3.1 U.S. Senate
* 3.1.1 2017-2018
* 3.1.2 2015-2016
* 3.2 North Carolina House
* 3.2.1 2013-2014
* 3.2.2 2011-2012
* 3.2.3 2009-2010
* 4 Key votes
* 4.1 Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020
* 4.2 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018
* 4.3 Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress
* 4.4 114th Congress
* 4.4.1 Economic and fiscal
* 4.4.1.1 Trade Act of 2015
* 4.4.1.2 2016 Budget proposal
* 4.4.1.3 Defense spending authorization
* 4.4.1.4 2015 budget
* 4.4.2 Foreign Affairs
* 4.4.2.1 Iran nuclear deal
* 4.4.3 Domestic
* 4.4.3.1 USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
* 4.4.3.2 Loretta Lynch AG nomination
* 4.4.3.3 Cyber security
* 4.4.4 Immigration
* 5 Issues
* 5.1 National security
* 5.1.1 Letter to Iran
* 5.2 Recognition
* 5.3 DOT Contingency Fund
* 5.4 Welfare comments
* 6 Elections
* 6.1 2020
* 6.1.1 Candidate profile
* 6.2 2014
* 6.2.1 Impact of legislative session
* 6.2.2 General election debate: Hagan vs. Tillis
* 6.2.3 Ethics complaints
* 6.2.4 Endorsements
* 6.2.5 Media
* 6.3 2012
* 6.4 2010
* 6.5 2008
* 7 Campaign themes
* 7.1 2020
* 7.1.1 Campaign website
* 8 Presidential preference
* 8.1 2020
* 8.2 2016
* 9 Campaign donors
* 9.1 Comprehensive donor history
* 9.2 2014
* 9.2.1 Cost per vote
* 9.3 2012
* 9.4 2010
* 10 Analysis
* 10.1 Lifetime voting record
* 11 Scorecards
* 11.1 2014
* 11.2 2013
* 11.3 2012
* 11.4 2011
* 12 Noteworthy events
* 12.1 Tested positive for coronavirus on October 2, 2020
* 13 See also
* 14 External links
* 15 Footnotes

## Biography[edit]

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Tillis went to high school in Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated at the age of 17. He did not immediately go to college but instead got a job working for Provident Insurance, which partnered with Wang Laboratories to help transfer records to computers. He later managed a research and development team for Wang Laboratories. Tillis then went to work for Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and became a partner in six years. Shortly after, he earned a bachelor's degree from University of Maryland University College.[2][3]

After transferring to Cornelius, North Carolina, in 1998, Tillis fought for a local bike trail and ended up serving on the park board. In 2003, Tillis entered his first elected position, a two-year term as commissioner.[2]

## Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Tillis' academic, professional, and political career:[1]

* 2015-Present: U.S. Senator from North Carolina
* 2007-2014: North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98
* 2011-2014: Speaker of the House
* 2003-2005: Member of the Cornelius (N.C.) Board of Commissioners
* 1997: Graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a B.A.

## Committee assignments[edit]

### U.S. Senate[edit]

#### 2021-2022

Tillis was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

* Committee on the Judiciary
* Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights
* Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights
* Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety
* Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Ranking member
* Senate Committee on Armed Services
* Airland
* Personnel, Ranking Member
* Seapower
* Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
* Economic Policy
* Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, Ranking Member
* Securities, Insurance, and Investment
* Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

#### 2019-2020

Tillis was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

* Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
* Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
* Senate Committee on Armed Services
* Committee on the Judiciary

#### 2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Tillis was assigned to the following committees:[4]

* Committee on Aging (Special)
* Committee on Armed Services
* Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
* Committee on the Judiciary
* Committee on Veterans' Affairs

#### 2015-2016[edit]

Tillis served on the following committees:[5]

* Special Committee on Aging
* Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
* Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy
* Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops and Agricultural Research
* Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing and Agriculture Security
* Armed Services Committee
* Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
* Subcommittee on Personnel
* Subcommittee on Seapower
* Judiciary Committee
* Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights
* Subcommittee on The Constitution
* Subcommittee on Immigration and The National Interest
* Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law
* Veterans' Affairs Committee

### North Carolina House[edit]

#### 2013-2014[edit]

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Tillis was not appointed to a standing committee.

#### 2011-2012[edit]

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Tillis was not appointed to a standing committee.

#### 2009-2010[edit]

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Tillis served on the following committees:

North Carolina committee assignments, 2009

• Education
• Finance
• Financial Institutions
• Judiciary III
• Local Government I
• Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
• Science and Technology
• Ways and Means/Broadband Connectivity

## Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

### Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

### Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

* Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018
Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system.[6]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018
Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.[7]

Voted Yea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018
Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States[8]

Voted Yea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018
Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States[9]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018
Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance.[10]

Voted Yea on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system.[11]

Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration.[12]

Voted Yea on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials.[13]

Voted Nay on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021.[14]

Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018
Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.[15]

Voted Yea on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017
The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it.[16]

Voted Yea on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017
An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271)[17]

Voted Yea on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017
A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments.[18]

Voted Yea on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017
Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.[19]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017
Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote.[20]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017
Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass.[21]

Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017
Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations.[22]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017
Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination.[23]

* Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[24]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[25]

Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[26]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[27]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018
Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.[28]

Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018[29]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[30]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[31]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[32]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[33]

Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[34]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017
Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code.[35]

Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017
Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.[36]

Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017
Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.[37]

Voted Yea on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017
Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.[38]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017
Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.[39]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017
The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.[40]

* Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Did not vote on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018
Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress.[41]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017
Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here.[42][43]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017
Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[44]

Voted Yea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017
Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[45]

### Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

### 114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[46][47] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Tillis's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[48]

#### Economic and fiscal[edit]

##### Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions for trade adjustment assistance. Tillis voted with 47 other Republican senators to approve the bill.[49][50]
Trade promotion authority
On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Tillis was one of 47 Republicans to vote in favor of the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015.[51][52][53]

##### 2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. The vote marked the first time since 2009 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats voted against the resolution. Tillis voted with 50 other Republican senators to approve the bill.[54][55][56]

##### Defense spending authorization[edit]

On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[57][58] Tillis voted with 47 Republicans, 42 Democrats and one independent to approve the bill.[59] On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[60]

On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Tillis voted with 48 Republicans, 21 Democrats and one Independent to approve the bill.[61] The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015.[62] President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[63]

##### 2015 budget[edit]

On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[64] Tillis voted with 17 Republicans, 44 Democrats and two independents in favor of the bill.[65] It passed the House on October 28, 2015.[66] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

#### Foreign Affairs[edit]

##### Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Tillis voted with 52 other Republican senators to approve the bill. Senator Tom Cotton (Ark.) was the only Republican who voted against the bill.[67][68]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015
On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42.[69] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Tillis voted with 53 other Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.[70]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes
On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42.[71] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Tillis voted with 51 Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.[72] The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42.[73]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote
On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran."[74] Tillis voted with 51 Republicans and one Democrat to proceed to the amendment.[75]

#### Domestic[edit]

##### USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Tillis voted with 29 Republicans, one Democrat and one independent against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[76][77]

##### Loretta Lynch AG nomination[edit]

On April 23, 2015, the Senate voted to confirm Loretta Lynch as United States Attorney General by a vote of 56-43. All 44 Democratic senators voted to confirm Lynch. Tillis voted with 42 other Republican senators against Lynch's confirmation.[78]

##### Cyber security[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.[79] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Tillis voted with 42 Republicans, 30 Democrats and one independent in favor of the bill.[80]

#### Immigration[edit]

On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement."[81] Tillis voted with 51 Republicans and two Democrats in favor of proceeding to the bill.[82]

## Issues[edit]

### National security[edit]

#### Letter to Iran[edit]

On March 9, 2015, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote a letter to Iran's leadership, warning them that signing a nuclear deal with the Obama administration without congressional approval was merely an "executive agreement." The letter also stated that "The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time." The letter was signed by 47 Republican members of the Senate. Tillis was one of the 47 who signed the letter. No Democrats signed it.[83]

The letter caused backlash from both the Obama administration and members of Congress.[84] Vice President Joe Biden said of the letter, "In thirty-six years in the United States Senate, I cannot recall another instance in which senators wrote directly to advise another country — much less a longtime foreign adversary — that the president does not have the constitutional authority to reach a meaningful understanding with them."[85]

### Recognition[edit]

Tillis was listed as one of Governing Magazine's top 17 "GOP Legislators to Watch" in May 2011. Governing chose legislators who met specific criteria, including "leadership qualities," "ability to strike alliances across party lines" and "a compelling personal story."[86]

### DOT Contingency Fund[edit]

Due to the lack of oversight and limits on its use, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Contingency Fund was identified as a slush fund and an example of cronyism by the John Locke Foundation. The fund was reduced from $15 million to $12 million in 2010, Tillis controlled $4 million of this fund in his role as Speaker of the House. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and DOT Secretary Tony Tata also each controlled $4 million.[87]

### Welfare comments[edit]

Tillis came under fire in mid-October 2011 following comments he made at a town meeting where he suggested the state "find a way to divide and conquer" citizens on welfare. Tillis responded, saying he made a "poor choice of words" but stood by other comments he made, including the possibility of drug-testing those receiving public assistance as well as all government workers.[88]

At the meeting in question, Tillis said that tight budgets necessitated difficult decisions. He went on to compare welfare for "a woman in a wheelchair" to that for an unmarried mother:

> "At some point, we'll have to say, 'First kid, we'll give you a pass. Second, third or fourth kid, you're on your own. What we have to do is find a way to divide and conquer the people who are on assistance. We have to show respect for that woman who has cerebral palsy and had no choice in her condition that needs help and we should help.

> And we need to get those folks to look down at those people who choose to get into a position that makes them dependent on the government and say at some point, 'You're on your own. We may end up taking care of those babies but we're not going to take care of you.'"[89]

## Elections[edit]

### 2020[edit]

See also: United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020

United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

##### General election for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Cal Cunningham, Shannon Bray, and Kevin E. Hayes in the general election for U.S. Senate North Carolina on November 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Thom Tillis (R)  |

48.7

| 2,665,598

| Cal Cunningham (D)  |

46.9

| 2,569,965

| Shannon Bray (L)  |

3.1

| 171,571

| Kevin E. Hayes (Constitution Party)  |

1.2

| 67,818

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 5,474,952

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Cal Cunningham defeated Erica Smith, Trevor Fuller, Steve Swenson, and Atul Goel in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Cal Cunningham |

56.9

| 717,941

| Erica Smith |

34.8

| 438,969

| Trevor Fuller |

3.8

| 48,168

| Steve Swenson |

2.7

| 33,741

| Atul Goel |

1.8

| 22,226

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 1,261,045

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Paul Wright, Larry Holmquist, and Sharon Hudson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Thom Tillis |

78.1

| 608,943

| Paul Wright |

7.6

| 58,908

| Larry Holmquist |

7.4

| 57,356

| Sharon Hudson |

7.0

| 54,651

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 779,858

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Constitution primary election

The Constitution primary election was canceled. Kevin E. Hayes advanced from the Constitution primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.

Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Shannon Bray advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.

#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Sandy Smith (R)
* Jeremy Thomas (Independence Party)
* Eva Lee (D)
* Steve Williams (D)
* Katherine Bell-Moore (D)
* Eric Mansfield (D)
* Garland Tucker III (R)

#### Candidate profile[edit]

Thom Tillis

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office:

* United States Senate (Assumed office: 2015)
* North Carolina House of Representatives (2007-2015)

Biography: Tillis received a bachelor’s degree in technology management from University of Maryland University College. Before his political career, he was a regional technical marketing manager at Wang Laboratories from 1987 to 1990, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1990 to 2002, and from 1990 to 2009 was a partner at IBM Global Business Services.

* * *

Key Messages

* * *

In response to the coronavirus, Tillis said he secured funding for small businesses and hospitals. He said he would work to protect jobs, reopen businesses, and ensure Americans had priority access to a vaccine.

* * *

Tillis said he opposed sanctuary cities and supported President Donald Trump (R).

* * *

Tillis said Cal Cunningham (D) supported Joe Biden’s (D) agenda, would vote for Biden’s nominations to the United States Supreme Court, and raise taxes.

* * *

Sources: YouTube, "Warrior," September 17, 2019; YouTube, "Together We'll Win This," April 29, 2020; YouTube, "Humble," May 27, 2020; YouTube, "Sneaky," September 4, 2020; YouTube, "Not This Time," September 7, 2020; YouTube, "Joe Biden's Judges," September 29, 2020; LinkedIn, "Thom Tillis," accessed October 4, 2020;

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate North Carolina in 2020

### 2014[edit]

See also: United States Senate elections in North Carolina, 2014

Tillis won the 2014 U.S. Senate election in North Carolina, for the seat previously occupied by Democrat Kay Hagan.[90][91] Tillis announced on May 30, 2013, that he would run for the seat.[92] He won the Republican nomination in the primary on May 6, 2014.

U.S. Senate, North Carolina General Election, 2014

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Kay Hagan Incumbent | 47.3% | 1,377,651
| Republican  | Thom Tillis | 48.8% | 1,423,259
| Libertarian  |  Sean Haugh  | 3.7% | 109,100
| Write-in  |  John Rhodes  | 0% | 621
| Write-in  |  David Waddell  | 0% | 201
| Write-in  |  Barry Gurney  | 0% | 142
| Write-in  |  Write-in (miscellaneous)  | 0.1% | 4,307
Total Votes | 2,915,281
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections
U.S. Senate, North Carolina Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Thom Tillis | 45.7% | 223,174
Greg Brannon  | 27.1% | 132,630
Mark Harris  | 17.5% | 85,727
Heather Grant  | 4.7% | 22,971
Jim Snyder  | 1.9% | 9,414
Ted Alexander  | 1.9% | 9,258
Alex Bradshaw  | 0.7% | 3,528
Edward Kryn  | 0.4% | 1,853
Total Votes | 488,555
Source: Results via the North Carolina State Board of Elections

#### Impact of legislative session[edit]

As an active member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Tillis' time was divided between legislative session and the campaign trail, which had the potential to hurt him in the polls. The president of Public Policy Polling stated, "Kay Hagan’s lead over Thom Tillis has tended to grow whenever the legislature is in session."[93] This trend may have occurred due to voter dissatisfaction with the General Assembly, or it may have had more to do with Tillis having less time to spend campaigning. Tillis disagreed with the former, as he hypothesized, "I don’t believe it’s had any meaningful impact on where I am in polls, simply because most people don’t follow the legislature." Instead, Tillis attributed his slipping numbers in the polls to the numerous ads opposing him put out by Hagan and her supporters.[93]

#### General election debate: Hagan vs. Tillis[edit]

September 3, 2014, marked the first debate between Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan and Tillis. Both candidates sought to appear moderate while accusing each other of being too radical. While Hagan accused Tillis of having a bad voting record on women's issues, Tillis argued in favor of making contraceptives more available to women, saying, "I actually agree with the American Medical Association that we should make contraception more widely available. I think over-the-counter oral contraception should be available without a prescription."[94] At the same time, Tillis attempted to associate Hagan with President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In response, Hagan distanced herself from both Democratic leaders, emphasizing that National Journal had ranked her as the most moderate senator and disagreeing with Obama on issues dealing with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Hagan stated, "Action is needed. I believe that we need to work with the moderate Syrian rebels. … I want to see the president’s plans, and I’m ready to take action."[94]

#### Ethics complaints[edit]

Incumbent Kay Hagan (D) and Tillis filed ethics complaints against each other in the month leading up to the 2014 general election. Tillis accused Hagan of helping her husband's company, JDC Manufacturing, receive $390,000 in tax credits and grants. According to the complaint, Hagan voted for the 2009 stimulus law that provided the money to Chip Hagan's company. The Republican Party of North Carolina filed the complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee, asking that they investigate whether Hagan's actions constituted a conflict of interest. Republican Party Chairman Claude Pope wrote, "The Committee needs to investigate whether Senator Hagan steered taxpayer funds to her husband for her own personal gain in violation of the Senate Ethics rules and the public trust."[95] Hagan denied helping her husband's company receive the grants, and her spokeswoman added that Hagan "made sure that a respected ethics attorney was consulted to ensure that it was appropriate, and the attorney found that it was."[95]

Hagan retaliated by calling for another ethics investigation against Tillis, arguing that Tillis voted for Recovery Act tax credits out of personal self-interest. Tillis owned stock in Aquesta Bank, which benefited from over $1 million in tax credits from the program. Forward North Carolina, a pro-Democratic group, decided to file a complaint with the North Carolina's state ethics commission. Spokesman Ben Ray stated, "Speaker Tillis should come clean about his investments and his votes to benefit Aquesta Bank and his personal bottom line."[95]

#### Endorsements[edit]

Tillis was endorsed by the following:

* Jeb Bush \- Former Governor of Florida[96]
* Pat McCrory \- Governor of North Carolina[97]
* The U.S. Chamber of Commerce[98]
* National Right to Life[99]
* The National Rifle Association[100]
* American Crossroads and Karl Rove[101]
* John Boehner[102]
* Mitch McConnell[103]
* GOPAC[104]
* Mitt Romney[105]

#### Media[edit]

* The Senate Majority PAC spent $850,000 to run an ad opposing Tillis over a span of two weeks. They recorded the narrator of the ad at Tillis' own victory party after winning the Republican primary.[106]

Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Tillis

### 2012[edit]

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2012

Tillis ran for re-election in 2012. He ran unopposed in the May 8, 2012, Republican primary and was unchallenged in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[107][108]

North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98, General Election, 2012

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Thom Tillis Incumbent | 100% | 27,971
Total Votes | 27,971

### 2010[edit]

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2010

On November 2, 2010, Tillis won election to the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was initially challenged by Jacquelyn Smith (D) in the general election but she withdrew.[109][110]

North Carolina House of Representatives, General Election Results, District 98 (2010)

Candidates  |  Votes  |  Percent
Thom Tillis (R) |  23,540 |  100%

### 2008[edit]

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2008

On November 4, 2008, Tillis won re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives.[111] He raised $43,050 for this campaign.[112] He ran unopposed.

North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98

Candidates  | Votes
Thom Tillis (R) |  38,875

## Campaign themes[edit]

### 2020[edit]

#### Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Thom Tillis did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

#### Campaign website[edit]

Tillis' campaign website stated the following:

“  |

Most politicians think they work for the DC insiders who fund their campaigns, and forget they represent you. Well, it’s safe to say that I’m a little different. I’m not a career politician. I know that my job is fighting for your job. Here’s why:

I grew up living in a big family with five brothers and sisters. I had two strong parents who would relocate to wherever they could to find work and to provide for our family. From a rental house in Louisiana, to trailer parks in Florida and Tennessee, we moved seven times before I was sixteen, living paycheck to paycheck.

But I learned a lot during my childhood. I watched my parents work for everything they earned and it instilled in me a work ethic that would inspire me for the rest of my life. It taught me to never give up, no matter how tough things seemed.

At age 11, I became a newspaper delivery boy and I ran my route 7 days a week. On Sunday mornings, my dad would get up at 5 AM to help me fold the Sunday edition, pack my bike, and send me on my way. Being a paperboy was my first real experience with a job. I loved the responsibility and the freedom that came with it, and I never stopped working again.

When I graduated from high school I couldn’t afford college so I volunteered for the Air Force. However, a month before I was supposed to ship off to basic training, I got in a car accident and my dream of serving our country in the armed services was dashed.

Unsure of what to do next, I did what my parents had always taught me to do: Work. I got a job as a warehouse clerk and worked my way through night school. I ended up going to five different institutions to finish my college degree over 18 years, all the while raising a family with the love of my life, my wife Susan. Because of the opportunities provided to me by our great country, I worked my way up in high tech to become a partner at IBM. And now I have the honor and privilege of being your voice in the Senate where I’m working to provide you with the chance to achieve your American Dream.

As I look back at my upbringing, I realize it was a struggle. Every day was a battle but to be honest, I didn’t really know it. It’s just what we had to do. I’m proud of my family who beat the odds, and I’m glad I went through it because many folks across North Carolina are in the fight of their lives right now, and they want a leader who understands their challenges—someone who has been there.

For those of you who may have lost your job, for those of you whose grocery bags aren’t quite as full these days, and for those of you who are sitting at the kitchen table each night after you put your kids to bed trying to figure out how you’ll make it – You are what drives me to serve and I will never stop fighting for you.

I grew up with strong parents and humble people in humble places, and I take a little humility to the U.S. Senate, where it’s in short supply. This virus may have wrecked our economy, but we will build it back stronger than ever. And because of the experiences that shaped me, I’ll always remember who needs it the most. [113]

|  ”

|
|

—Thom Tillis' campaign website (2020)[114]

## Presidential preference[edit]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Presidential election in North Carolina, 2020 and Republican National Convention, 2020

Tillis supported Donald Trump (R) in the 2020 presidential election.[115]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Presidential election in North Carolina, 2016 and Republican National Convention, 2016

Tillis endorsed Marco Rubio (R) in the 2016 presidential election.[116]

## Campaign donors[edit]

### Comprehensive donor history[edit]

* * *

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

* * *

Thom Tillis campaign contribution history

Year | Office | Result | Contributions
2014 | U.S. Senate (North Carolina) |  ✔ | $11,000,378
2012 | North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98 |  ✔ | $1,654,609
2010 | North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98 |  ✔ | $397,340
2008 | North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98 |  ✔ | $43,050
2006 | North Carolina House of Representatives, District 98 |  ✔ | $149,704
Grand total raised | $13,245,081

Source: Follow the Money

### 2014[edit]

Tillis won election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. During that election cycle, Tillis' campaign committee raised a total of $11,000,378 and spent $10,513,963.[117] This is less than the average $10.6 million spent by Senate winners in 2014.[118]

#### Cost per vote[edit]

Tillis spent $7.39 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. Senate, North Carolina, 2014 - Thom Tillis (North Carolina) Campaign Contributions

Total Raised | $11,000,378
Total Spent | $10,513,963
Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $24,849,812
Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $24,851,013
Top contributors to Thom Tillis (North Carolina)'s campaign committee
Elliott Management| $126,300
Susan B Anthony List| $54,794
New Breed Inc| $54,100
Kleinberg, Kaplan et al| $53,049
Citizens for Prosperity in America Today| $44,980
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Retired| $1,291,214
Real Estate| $540,359
Securities & Investment| $529,700
Lawyers/Law Firms| $363,775
Leadership PACs| $362,175

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.

|

Breakdown of the source of Tillis' campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Candidates for Congress were required to file reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Tillis' reports.[119]

Thom Tillis (2014) Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
July Quarterly[120]| July 15, 2013| $0.00| $277,922.08| $(22,916.56)| $255,005.52
October Quarterly[121]| October 15, 2013| $255,005.52| $811,675.98| $(227,964.43)| $838,717.07
Year-End[122]| April 15, 2014| $838,717.07| $714,326.17| $(266,132.65)| $1,286,910.59
April Quarterly[123]| April 15, 2014| $1,286,910.59| $1,308,066.86| $(1,272,540.04)| $1,322,437.41
Pre-Primary[124]| April 21, 2014| $1,322,437.41| $151,611.47| $(406,189.80)| $1,067,859.08
July Quarterly[125]| July 15, 2014| $1,067,859.08| $1,500,510.39| $(1,039,092.53)| $1,529,276.94
October Quarterly[126]| October 15, 2014| $1,529,276.94| $3,389,157.99| $(2,719,149.12)| $2,199,285.81
Pre-General[127]| October 20, 2014| $2,199,285.81| $902,080.67| $(1,971,186.95)| $1,130,179.53
| | | Running totals|
| | | $9,055,351.61| $(7,925,172.08)|

### 2012[edit]

Tillis won re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012. During that election cycle, Tillis raised a total of $1,654,609.| North Carolina House of Representatives 2012 election - campaign contributions

Top contributors to Thom Tillis (North Carolina)'s campaign in 2012
Marion, Randy| $8,000
Rj Reynolds Tobacco| $8,000
Lowes Companies| $8,000
North Carolina Healthcare Facilities Association| $8,000
Shelton, Charles M| $8,000
Total raised in 2012| $1,654,609
Source: Follow the Money

### 2010[edit]

Tillis won re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2010. During that election cycle, Tillis raised a total of $397,340.North Carolina House of Representatives 2010 election - Campaign Contributions

Top contributors to Thom Tillis (North Carolina)'s campaign in 2010
North Carolina Farm Bureau| $11,000
North Carolina Association of Realtors| $9,000
Nationwide| $8,000
Fennebresque, John C| $8,000
AT&T| $8,000
Total Raised in 2010| $397,340
Source: Follow the Money

## Analysis[edit]

### Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Thom Tillis missed 0 of 269 roll call votes from January 2015 to September 2015. This amounts to 0 percent, which is better than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.[128]

## Scorecards[edit]

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in North Carolina

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of North Carolina scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

### 2014

In 2014, the General Assembly of North Carolina will be in session from May 14 through a date to be determined by the legislature.

* Civitas Action: 2014 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

* Environment North Carolina: House and Senate

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

* North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2014 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

* N.C. Values Coalition: 2014 Pro-family Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.

* North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare: Senate and House

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to animal issues.

* The American Conservative Union: 2014 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

### 2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].

In 2013, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 9 to July 26.

* Civitas Action: 2013 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

* Environment North Carolina: 2013 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

* North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2013 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

* The American Conservative Union: 2013 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

### 2012

| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from May 16 to July 3.

* Civitas Action: 2012 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

* Environment North Carolina: 2012 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

* North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2012 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

* The American Conservative Union: 2012 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

### 2011

| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show].

In 2011, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 26 to June 18. A special session dealing with redistricting began July 13 and ended July 28.

* Civitas Action: 2011 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

* Environment North Carolina: 2011 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

* North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2011 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

* The American Conservative Union: 2011 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

## Noteworthy events[edit]

### Tested positive for coronavirus on October 2, 2020[edit]

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryDaily updatesElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit

On October 2, 2020, Tillis announced on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[129]

## See also[edit]

2020 Elections

Who is on my ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislature State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

Coronavirus Weekly Updates Documenting America's Path to Recovery The Daily Brew The Tap Daily Presidential News Briefing The Heart of the Primaries The Ballot Bulletin Bold Justice Union Station Checks and Balances

## External links[edit]

* Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. Senate North Carolina

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U.S. Senate North Carolina

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Personal

* Facebook
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|
|

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Thom Tillis," accessed January 28, 2015
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 News Observer, "The rise of Thom Tillis," February 2, 2011
3. ↑ LinkedIn, "Thom Tillis," accessed October 4, 2020
4. ↑ United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 115th Congress," accessed January 19, 2017
5. ↑ United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 114th Congress," accessed February 17, 2015
6. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment with an Amendment)," December 18, 2018
7. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2)," December 11, 2018
8. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Nomination (Confirmation Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 6, 2018
9. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 5, 2018
10. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2, As Amended)," June 28, 2018
11. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1959)," February 15, 2018
12. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1958 As Modified)," February 15, 2018
13. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1948)," February 15, 2018
14. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1955)," February 15, 2018
15. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of S. 2311)," January 29, 2018
16. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (McConnell Amdt. No. 667)," July 28, 2017
17. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (Paul Amdt. No. 271 )," July 26, 2017
18. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Amdt. No. 270)," July 25, 2017
19. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to H.R. 1628)," July 25, 2017
20. ↑ U.S. Senate, "On the Nomination (Confirmation: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 7, 2017
21. ↑ U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Upon Reconsideration, Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
22. ↑ U.S. Senate, "On the Decision of the Chair (Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgment of the Senate?)," April 6, 2017
23. ↑ U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
24. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157)," September 18, 2018
25. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895)," September 12, 2018
26. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H. R. 6157 As Amended)," August 23, 2018
27. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 5895 As Amended)," June 25, 2018
28. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625)," March 23, 2018
29. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1892 with an Amendment (SA 1930))," February 9, 2018
30. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 695)," February 8, 2018
31. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment with Further Amendment)," January 22, 2018
32. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 22, 2018
33. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 19, 2018
34. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1370)," December 21, 2017
35. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Recede from the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1 and Concur with Further Amendment ," December 20, 2017
36. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (H.J. Res. 123)," December 7, 2017
37. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 1 As Amended )," December 2, 2017
38. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 71 As Amended)," October 19, 2017
39. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. to the Senate Amdt. with an Amdt. No. 808 to H.R. 601)," September 7, 2017
40. ↑ U.S. Senate, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 244)," May 4, 2017
41. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (S.J. Res. 54, As Amended), December 13, 2018
42. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2810 As Amended)," September 18, 2017
43. ↑ The Hill, "Senate sends $692B defense policy bill to Trump's desk," November 15, 2017
44. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 3364)," July 27, 2017
45. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (S. 722 As Amended)," June 15, 2017
46. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
47. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
48. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
49. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314," accessed May 25, 2015
50. ↑ Senate.gov, "H.R. 1314 (Ensuring Tax Exempt Organizations the Right to Appeal Act)," accessed May 25, 2015
51. ↑ Senate.gov, "Roll Call for HR 2146," June 24, 2015
52. ↑ The Hill, "Senate approves fast-track, sending trade bill to White House," June 24, 2015
53. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
54. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
55. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany S. Con. Res. 11)," accessed May 5, 2015
56. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
57. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
58. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
59. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
60. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
61. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1735)," accessed October 6, 2015
62. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
63. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
64. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
65. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
66. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
67. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1191," accessed May 8, 2015
68. ↑ Senate.gov, "H.R. 1191," accessed May 8, 2015
69. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Amdt.2640 to H.J.Res.61," accessed September 10, 2015
70. ↑ Congress.gov, "HJ Res 61," accessed September 10, 2015
71. ↑ Senates.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 16, 2015
72. ↑ Congress.gov, "HJ Res 61," accessed September 10, 2015
73. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 17, 2015
74. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640," accessed September 17, 2015
75. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2656)," accessed September 17, 2015
76. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
77. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2048)," accessed June 2, 2015
78. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Nomination (Confirmation Loretta E. Lynch, of New York, to be Attorney General)," accessed April 29, 2015
79. ↑ Congress.gov, "S 754," accessed November 1, 2015
80. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (S. 754, As Amended)," accessed November 1, 2015
81. ↑ Congress.gov, "S 2146," accessed November 2, 2015
82. ↑ Senate.gov, "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2146)," accessed November 2, 2015
83. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Text of GOP Senators’ Letter to Iran’s Leaders on Nuclear Talks," March 9, 2015
84. ↑ Politico, "Iran letter blowback startles GOP," March 12, 2015
85. ↑ Fox News, "Firestorm erupts over GOP letter challenging Obama's power to approve Iran nuclear deal," March 10, 2015
86. ↑ Governing, "GOP Legislators to Watch," May 24, 2011
87. ↑ John Locke Foundation, "Carolina Cronyism: Introduction, Overview, and Reform," July 2012
88. ↑ Miami Herald, "North Carolina politician under fire for comments on welfare recipients," October 13, 2011 (dead link)
89. ↑ Charlotte Observer, "Rep. Tillis criticized for drug test idea," October 13, 2011
90. ↑ Southern Political Report, "North Carolina: GOPers Circling Around Hagan," accessed May 23, 2013
91. ↑ Politico, "North Carolina Senate Election Results," accessed November 5, 2014
92. ↑ Associated Press, "APNewsBreak: Tillis says he'll run for US Senate," accessed June 3, 2013
93. ↑ 93.0 93.1 Charlotte Observer, "Session stalemate no help to Tillis campaign," accessed July 3, 2014
94. ↑ 94.0 94.1 Politico, "Kay Hagan, Thom Tillis spar in first debate," accessed September 4, 2014
95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 95.2 Politico, "Kay Hagan, Thom Tillis file rival ethics complaints," accessed October 7, 2014
96. ↑ The Hill, "Jeb Bush to endorse Tillis in North Carolina," accessed April 30, 2014
97. ↑ ABC Local, "Governor Pat McCrory endorses Thom Tillis in Senate race," accessed April 30, 2014
98. ↑ WNCT, "US Chamber of Commerce backs Tillis in NC race," accessed April 30, 2014
99. ↑ National Right to Life News, "NRL Endorses House Speaker Thom Tillis, early voting in North Carolina has begun," accessed April 30, 2014
100. ↑ Charlotte Observer, "NRA endorses U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis," accessed May 1, 2014
101. ↑ Washington Post, "North Carolina is central to the fight for Senate control," accessed May 1, 2014
102. ↑ News Observer, "Utah Sen. Mike Lee endorses Greg Brannon in contested Senate primary," accessed May 1, 2014
103. ↑ Newsmax, "McConnell Headlines Fundraiser for NC Senate Hopeful Tillis," accessed May 1, 2014
104. ↑ Washington Times, "Harris, Tillis gets endorsement in NC Senate race," accessed May 1, 2014
105. ↑ The Huffington Post, "Mitt Romney Endorses Thom Tillis In Critical GOP Primary," accessed May 6, 2014
106. ↑ Political Ticker, "Democrats record anti-GOP ad at GOP victory celebration," accessed May 13, 2014
107. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2012 Primary Election Results," accessed June 12, 2014
108. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2012 General Election Results," accessed June 12, 2014
109. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2010 Primary Election Results," accessed June 12, 2014
110. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Official North Carolina General Election Results- November 2, 2010," accessed June 12, 2014
111. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2008 General Election Results," accessed August 14, 2014
112. ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 campaign contributions," accessed August 14, 2014
113. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
114. ↑ Thom Tillis' campaign website, “Meet Thom,” accessed October 2, 2020
115. ↑ AP News , "In N. Carolina Senate race, Tillis calibrates ties to Trump," September 18, 2020
116. ↑ FiveThirtyEight , "The Endorsement Primary," February 22, 2016
117. ↑ Open Secrets, "Thom Tillis 2014 Election Cycle," accessed April 14, 2015
118. ↑ Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed April 14, 2015
119. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis Summary Report," accessed May 8, 2014
120. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis July Quarterly," accessed October 28, 2013
121. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis October Quarterly," accessed October 28, 2013
122. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis Year-End," accessed May 8, 2014
123. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis April Quarterly," accessed May 8, 2014
124. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis Pre-Primary," accessed November 25, 2014
125. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis July Quarterly," accessed November 25, 2014
126. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis October Quarterly," accessed November 25, 2014
127. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Thom Tillis Pre-General," accessed November 25, 2014
128. ↑ GovTrack, "Sen. Thom Tillis (R)," accessed September 23, 2015
129. ↑ WXII12, "North Carolina Sen. Tillis tests positive for coronavirus," October 2, 2020

Political offices

Preceded by
Kay Hagan (D) | United States Senate \- North Carolina
2015-Present  |  Succeeded by

Preceded by
- | North Carolina House \- District 98
2011–January 1, 2015  |  Succeeded by
John Bradford (R)

[show]

North Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Richard Burr (R)

Thom Tillis (R)

Representatives

District 1

G.K. Butterfield (D)

District 2

Deborah Ross (D)

District 3

Gregory Murphy (R)

District 4

David Price (D)

District 5

Virginia Foxx (R)

District 6

Kathy Manning (D)

District 7

David Rouzer (R)

District 8

Richard Hudson (R)

District 9

Dan Bishop (R)

District 10

Patrick McHenry (R)

District 11

Madison Cawthorn (R)

District 12

Alma Adams (D)

District 13

Ted Budd (R)

District 14

Vacant

Republican Party (10)

Democratic Party (5)

Vacancies (1)

v • e

State of North Carolina
Raleigh (capital)

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