Fact Check: Tillis compares himself to Manchin and Sinema, criticizing party loyalty.

Fact Check: "Tillis compares himself to Manchin and Sinema, criticizing party loyalty."

What We Know

The claim suggests that Senator Thom Tillis has publicly compared himself to Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, both of whom are known for their moderate stances and willingness to break from party lines. Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, has a history of bipartisan actions, including voting for legislation that aligns with Democratic priorities, such as the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, which recognized same-sex marriage at the federal level (Wikipedia).

In recent political contexts, Tillis has faced criticism from within his party for his votes that diverge from the Republican majority, particularly regarding significant legislation proposed by former President Trump (Axios, NBC News). This has led to speculation about his political future and potential primary challenges, as Trump has threatened to support challengers to Tillis due to his opposition to key party initiatives (NBC News, Yahoo Finance).

Analysis

The claim regarding Tillis comparing himself to Manchin and Sinema lacks direct evidence from credible sources. While it is true that Tillis has criticized party loyalty in the context of his voting record, there is no documented instance of him explicitly stating that he identifies with Manchin or Sinema. Both Manchin and Sinema have garnered attention for their centrist positions and willingness to cross party lines, which has drawn ire from more conservative factions within their party. Tillis's actions, such as voting against certain Republican proposals, may parallel their approach to bipartisanship, but this does not equate to a direct comparison or self-identification.

Moreover, the sources discussing Tillis's political stance primarily focus on his recent votes and the backlash he has faced from party leaders, particularly Trump (NBC News, The Hill). These sources indicate a tension within the Republican Party regarding loyalty and adherence to party lines, but they do not provide a clear statement from Tillis that would substantiate the claim.

The reliability of the sources used to evaluate this claim is generally high, as they include established news outlets and a comprehensive biographical resource (Wikipedia). However, the absence of a direct quote or statement from Tillis comparing himself to Manchin and Sinema suggests that the claim may be more speculative than factual.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is evidence that Senator Tillis has taken positions that align with bipartisan efforts, the specific claim that he has compared himself to Senators Manchin and Sinema, criticizing party loyalty, is not substantiated by direct quotes or credible reports. Further investigation is required to clarify Tillis's statements and intentions regarding party loyalty and his political identity.

Fact Check: Tillis compares himself to Manchin and Sinema, criticizing party loyalty.