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Story perspectives

Moderate Lawmakers Depart Amid Rising Political Polarization

7/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A wave of moderate lawmakers, like Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Don Bacon, are stepping away from Congress, disheartened by rising partisan dysfunction and the relentless pressure to toe the party line. Their departures signal a deepening frustration with political polarization and the diminishing space for bipartisan collaboration, leaving a void in the political landscape.

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Story summary

A wave of moderate lawmakers, like Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Don Bacon, are stepping away from Congress, disheartened by rising partisan dysfunction and the relentless pressure to toe the party line. Their departures signal a deepening frustration with political polarization and the diminishing space for bipartisan collaboration, leaving a void in the political landscape.