Thom Tillis' surprise retirement announcement over the weekend creates a sudden opening in next year’s midterm elections, setting off a scramble of successor speculation that includes both a former Democratic governor and a Trump other than the one who ultimately nudged Tillis into leaving.

Tillis, who is up for re-election next year in battleground North Carolina, voted against advancing a bill for Trump's domestic policy agenda Saturday evening.

The Republican from North Carolina announced he won’t run for reelection next year amid sharp disagreements with President Trump.