March 5, 2025

Despite his claims of independence, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis has emerged as a reliable MAGA supporter in Congress. Tillis voted in favor of all of President Trump’s most controversial nominees, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and pro-Putin National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard.  

But the most telling vote involved Tillis’ decision to confirm Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has an extensive list of misconduct allegations as well as a history of troubling comments reflecting his opposition to women serving in the military.

Less than a month into the 2025 session, North Carolina lawmakers have introduced nearly 300 bills, with hundreds more expected before next month’s filing deadline. However, given the state’s divided government, not all proposals will survive the legislative process.  

Following the 2024 election, Republicans fell just one seat short of a supermajority, meaning Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has the power to veto many GOP-backed bills. Despite this dynamic, several key proposals are gaining attention.