Sen. Thom Tillis voted against proceeding to debate on President Trump's reconciliation bill. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Harrigan was elected to replace former House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry, R-N.C.
He's among the first to express interest in Tillis' seat in what could shape up into a crowded Republican primary race ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Tillis revealed he would not run for re-election in a bombshell statement on Sunday afternoon, criticizing the current political environment.
"Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don't give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail. After they get elected, they don't bother to do the hard work to research the policies they seek to implement and understand the consequences those policies could have on that young adult living in a trailer park, struggling to make ends meet," Tillis said.
President Donald Trump threatened to find a primary challenger to Tillis. (Rick Scuteri)
Tillis said he had objections to the bill's spending cuts targeting Medicaid, arguing they would be damaging to rural communities and hospitals in North Carolina.
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The senate voted 51-49 to begin debate on the legislation late on Saturday. Tillis and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., were the only two Republicans to vote "no."
Trump posted on Saturday, "Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the primary against 'Senator Thom' Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scoop-house-republican-eyes-bid-thom-tillis-senate-seat-after-trump-attack