(Daily Signal)—In the wake of North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ decision not to seek reelection in 2026, the GOP is holding out for a hero who can defend the Republican majority in the purple state.
Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., told The Daily Signal Tuesday that a winning candidate in the Tarheel State must be honest and pro-Trump.
“I think they just need to have the quality of being genuine. Telling people the facts, letting people understand what’s going on, making sure that they recognize that we believe in President [Donald] Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda. And that wins in North Carolina,” he said.
Tillis, who has been willing to work occasionally with Democrats and criticize fellow Republicans, announced June 29 he would not seek reelection next year after he voted against a motion to proceed with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed anyway.
His main concerns were over the bill’s restructuring of Medicaid, which he thinks could lead to excessive coverage losses. Shortly after Tillis’ “no” vote, Trump threatened to recruit and support a GOP primary challenger against him.
Republicans Need to Lean Into Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda If They’re Going to Keep the Senate, Says @RepMarkHarrisNC
After Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced that he would not seek a third term, Congressional Republicans have been weighing in on who should replace him. Rep.… pic.twitter.com/CYP8e7RuuA
— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) July 16, 2025
In Harris’ view, the proof of a pro-Trump candidate’s appeal in North Carolina can be found in the president’s year-after-year success there.
“[Trump’s] won every time he’s run in that state, and I have no doubt that he’s going to play a major role,” Harris said of Trump.
He noted that Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who served as co-chairman of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election and is now a Fox News show host, might be the right fit for North Carolina.
“You’ve heard conversation about the possibility of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, possibly running. I don’t know if that will be what ends up happening, but I will say there is a great love in North Carolina for Donald Trump, because he says what he means, and he means what he says. And I think we just need a candidate for U.S. Senate that’s going to do that same thing,” said Harris.
Trump has expressed some openness to the idea of his daughter-in-law, who currently resides in Florida, running for office in her home state.
“Somebody who would really be great is Lara,” the president said shortly after Tillis’ announcement of his retirement plans. “She grew up there, but they live in Florida … . She did fantastically running the RNC … . I mean, that would always be my first choice, but she doesn’t live there now. But she’s there all the time.”
?BREAKING: President Trump urges Lara Trump to run for Senate in North Carolina to replace Thom Tillis:
“Somebody that would really be great is Lara. She’s a great person, Lara Trump. That would always be my first choice.”
pic.twitter.com/68PGa02f1W— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 1, 2025
Trump added, “I don’t know who the candidates are going to be. I think you’re going to have one of the congressmen step up.”
Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., who represents most of the state’s coastline area, told The Daily Signal he had some sympathy for Tillis.
“I think Sen. Tillis, his heart was in the right place. He and I agree on many, many issues. I think he had probably just pulled the plug, and it was time for him,” said Murphy.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis is OUT. Who’s Next?
At the height of the fight over the Big Beautiful Bill, Sen. Thom TIllis, R-Nc, announced that he would not seek reelection.
North Carolina, known for being a relatively purple state, will need a Republican senatorial… pic.twitter.com/CZSOHhO80t
— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) July 16, 2025
In Murphy’s view, the ideal candidate would possess bipartisan instincts, while also backing conservative priorities.
“We need to have a Republican that can beat the presumed nominee of the Democrat Party, Roy Cooper, who’s the former governor,” he said. “Someone who understands how to navigate in a bipartisan manner. But in a conservative, bipartisan manner so that we keep the Senate and we can actually do things that are good for the country.”
Tillis’ office did not respond to a request for comment on his preferred successor.
On Sunday, he also wouldn’t state definitively to reporters whether he would back anyone for the seat.
“Dependent upon whether or not President Trump endorses somebody, it could be an open primary,” he said. “He could close it out and the party could get behind it, I suspect that’s what they do. I just really hope he has some discernment because obviously Mark Robinson was a bad pick.”
Then-Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson ran for governor in 2024, but his candidacy was derailed by allegations that he made embarrassing and extremist comments in an online pornographic chat room under the username of “minisoldr.”
Thanks for the retirement wishes, Mr. President, looking forward to working with you for a successful 2026. Word to the wise, let’s avoid minisoldr. https://t.co/r703B8fEys
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) June 29, 2025
“Thanks for the retirement wishes, Mr. President, looking forward to working with you for a successful 2026,” wrote Tillis shortly after dropping out of the race in June. “Word to the wise, let’s avoid minisoldr.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.