Fact Check: "Tillis has served in public office since 2007, facing backlash for bipartisanship."
What We Know
Thom Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, has indeed served in public office since 2007. He was first elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2007 and later became a U.S. Senator in 2015. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by instances of bipartisanship, which have occasionally drawn criticism from within his own party. For example, Tillis voted against a significant GOP tax and spending bill, which led to backlash from President Trump, who labeled him a "talker and complainer" for his stance (NPR, BBC).
Tillis has publicly expressed his commitment to bipartisan initiatives, stating that such efforts have become increasingly rare in Washington. He noted that “leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species” (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Tillis has served in public office since 2007 and has faced backlash for his bipartisan approach is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His political career began in the North Carolina legislature, and he transitioned to the U.S. Senate, where his bipartisan actions have indeed led to criticism, particularly from more conservative factions of the Republican Party.
The reliability of the sources cited is high. NPR, BBC, and The New York Times are well-respected news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They provide detailed accounts of Tillis's political actions and the reactions they have elicited. For instance, Tillis's opposition to the GOP's "Big Beautiful Bill" was a significant point of contention, leading to public rebuke from Trump and highlighting the tensions within the party regarding bipartisanship (NPR, BBC, New York Times).
While some may argue that Tillis's bipartisanship is a political liability, it is also a reflection of his stated values and approach to governance. His comments about the need for independent thinking in politics further support the claim that he has faced backlash for his willingness to cross party lines.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that Thom Tillis has served in public office since 2007 and has faced backlash for his bipartisanship is accurate. His political career began in 2007, and he has consistently advocated for bipartisan solutions, which have sometimes put him at odds with party leadership and more conservative members of his party.
