Thom Tillis: U.S. Senator from North Carolina
Biography and political profile of Thom Tillis, a Republican U.S. Senator from North Carolina, covering his early life, rise in state politics, Senate career, priorities, elections and notable events.
Overview: Thomas Roland "Thom" Tillis (born August 30, 1960) is the junior United States Senator representing North Carolina. A member of the Republican Party, he took office in the Senate on January 3, 2015 after serving in North Carolina's state legislature. His tenure in Washington has focused on economic policy, national security and veterans' issues while he remains a prominent figure in contemporary North Carolina politics. For more information about his role in the Senate see U.S. Senate biography.
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Early life and education
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillis grew up in the southeastern United States and later moved to North Carolina. He completed higher education at the University of Maryland University College, a public university known for serving working adults. Tillis worked in the private sector before entering politics; he and his wife Susan live in North Carolina and have two children.State legislative career
Thomis Tillis first won election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in the mid-2000s. During his time in the state legislature he rose through the Republican caucus to become Speaker of the North Carolina House, a position he held for several years. As Speaker he prioritized budgetary issues, regulatory reform and initiatives intended to spur job growth. His leadership at the state level established the network and profile that propelled his run for the U.S. Senate.U.S. Senate tenure and elections
In the 2014 Senate election Tillis defeated incumbent Senator Kay Hagan and assumed his seat in 2015. He won a second term in a closely watched 2020 race against Democrat Cal Cunningham. In the Senate Tillis has been involved in legislative debates on taxes, trade, national defense and judicial nominations. He frequently frames his work around support for small business, military readiness and regulatory relief for industries in his state. His party affiliation and policy positions are linked to the broader Republican agenda; see his party page at Republican Party.Notable facts and public incidents
Throughout his career Tillis has been a polarizing figure to some and a standard-bearer for others in North Carolina politics. In October 2020 he tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a White House event, an episode widely covered in media at the time; more on that occurrence is available via news summaries. He was born in Florida; biographical details can be found at birthplace and early life references.Quick facts
- Full name: Thomas Roland Tillis
- Born: August 30, 1960
- Political party: Republican
- State service: North Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker
- U.S. Senate: In office since 2015; reelected in 2020
Questions and answers
Q: Who is Thom Tillis?
A: Thom Tillis is the junior United States Senator from North Carolina and a member of the U.S. Republican Party.
Q: How long has Thom Tillis been in the Senate?
A: Thom Tillis has been in the Senate since January 3, 2015.
Q: What political party does Thom Tillis belong to?
A: Thom Tillis belongs to the U.S. Republican Party.
Q: What previous political position did Thom Tillis hold before being in the Senate?
A: Thom Tillis was in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015.
Q: When and where was Thom Tillis born?
A: Thom Tillis was born on August 30, 1960 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Q: Who is Thom Tillis married to and how many children do they have?
A: Thom Tillis is married to Susan Tillis and they have two children.
Q: When did Thom Tillis test positive for coronavirus and what event did he attend that may have caused it?
A: Thom Tillis tested positive for coronavirus on October 2, 2020, after attending an event with Donald Trump at the White House.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Thom Tillis: U.S. Senator from North Carolina Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/131868