Thomas Tillis is a Senator representing North Carolina, born on August 30, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland University College, which he earned in 1997. Before his arrival in the U.S. Senate, Tillis had an extensive political career; he served on the Cornelius (N.C.) board of commissioners from 2003 to 2005, and he was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2014, where he rose to the position of Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2014. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate as a Republican in 2014 and was re-elected in 2020, with his current term set to end on January 3, 2027.

Tillis's committee assignments reflect his interests and influence in various areas of national policy. He serves on several important committees, including the Senate Judiciary, the Finance Committee, and the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. His roles on these committees position him to contribute to significant legislative discussions surrounding financial regulation, housing policy, and judicial matters, including issues relating to the functioning of federal courts and national security.

As an active lawmaker, Tillis has co-sponsored and introduced numerous bills with significant implications. Notably, he co-sponsored the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2023 (SB79), which aims to enhance collaboration between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding patent evaluations for pharmaceuticals. This bill seeks to minimize redundancies in patent processes and expedite drug approvals, which is seen as beneficial for public health and innovation.

Additionally, he introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025 (SB1272), which seeks to enhance congressional oversight of trade policies by requiring congressional notification for tariffs lasting more than 60 days. This reflects a sentiment among many lawmakers for increased legislative involvement in trade decisions, addressing concerns about unilateral executive actions that might affect the economy.

Tillis is also a co-sponsor of the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2025 (SB1270), which establishes a framework for the ethical acquisition and respectful handling of human bodies and parts for educational and research purposes, demonstrating his commitment to ethical standards in biomedical research.

His legislative activity indicates a conservative stance, particularly in the areas of trade, healthcare, and government oversight. His support for bills aimed at increasing accountability and transparency aligns with traditional Republican values emphasizing limited government intervention in business and enhanced regulatory frameworks to protect public interests.

Beyond his professional life, Tillis is married and has two children, emphasizing his personal commitment to family alongside his political responsibilities. His approach to governance tends to reflect a blend of personal values with broader party ideologies to create policies that he believes will advance public interest and national welfare.