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Thom Tillis

Thom Tillis is an American Republican politician serving as a U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thom Tillis is an American Republican politician serving as a U.S. senator from North Carolina since 2015. Before entering the Senate, he served in the North Carolina House of Representatives and was speaker of that chamber from 2011 to 2014. He previously worked in the private sector in technology and management consulting.

Early life and education

Thom Tillis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 30, 1960. He later earned a degree from the University of Maryland University College. Public biographies describe a working-class upbringing and a career path that included completing his degree later in life.

Private-sector career

Before holding elected office, Tillis worked for nearly three decades in technology and management consulting. Sources identify his employment with PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM Global Business Services.

North Carolina politics

Tillis entered public service at the local level before being elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2006. He rose to speaker of the chamber and served in that role from 2011 to 2014.

U.S. Senate career

Tillis was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, defeating incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan, and was reelected in 2020. He has served on major Senate committees including Judiciary, Finance, Banking, and Veterans’ Affairs.

Key facts

  • Tillis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1960.
  • He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and began serving in 2015.
  • He represented North Carolina in the state House before moving to the Senate.
  • He served as speaker of the North Carolina House from 2011 to 2014.
  • His pre-political career included work at PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM.
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Canadian context

No direct Canadian connection is apparent beyond his role in U.S. politics, which may be of interest to Canadian readers following North American policy and cross-border issues.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Thom Tillis?
Thom Tillis is a Republican U.S. senator from North Carolina who has served in the Senate since 2015.
When was Thom Tillis born?
He was born on August 30, 1960.
What office did Thom Tillis hold before the U.S. Senate?
He served in the North Carolina House of Representatives and was speaker of the chamber from 2011 to 2014.
What is Thom Tillis's background outside politics?
He worked in technology and management consulting, including roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM.
Where does Thom Tillis live?
He lives in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife, Susan.

References

  1. Office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis — https://www.tillis.senate.gov/about-thom
    Supports: Birth background, private-sector career, local public service, North Carolina House service, speakership, Senate service, family and residence.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thom-Tillis
    Supports: Full name, birth date and place, party affiliation, and Senate election in 2014.
  3. GovInfo / Congressional Directory — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2022-10-26/html/CDIR-2022-10-26-NC-S-2.htm
    Supports: Birth date and place, education, private-sector employment, public offices, religion, family, and Senate election dates.
  4. Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/thomas-tillis/T000476
    Supports: Official Senate membership, party affiliation, and service period.