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See the latest news and updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the Charlotte region, the Carolinas and beyond.

Tillis On No Mask At Trump's Speech: 'I Fell Short Of My Own Standard'

@ThomTillis,Twitter / CNN
Sen. Thom Tillis tweeted a photo of himself wearing a mask at Trump's speech, but he was photographed by CNN (at right) not wearing one during the speech.

N.C. Republican Senator Thom Tillis on Friday said he "fell short of my own standard" by not wearing a mask during President Trump's renomination acceptance speech on the White House lawn Thursday night.

About 1,500 people attended the president's speech on the final night of the Republican National Convention. 

The event was outside, which scientists say greatly reduces the risk of the coronavirus spreading. But the guests were sitting close together and not six feet apart.

Most Republicans attending were not wearing masks. But Tillis has pushed for mask-wearing during his reelection campaign, and he generally supports Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's health mandates.

Before the event started, Tillis tweeted a photo of himself wearing a black mask. 

The first-term senator is in a tight reelection fight against Democrat Cal Cunningham. In his statement about the mask, Tillis criticized Cunningham.

"I've stressed the important of mask wearing throughout this pandemic and have tried to lead by example on this issue, but last night I feel short of my own standard," Tillis said in a statement. "The difference between Cal Cunningham and I is that I can accept responsibility for my actions, while he lies and makes excuses for his, like how he has misued taxpayer dollars for his own personal hain and broke his promise not to raise taxes on hardworking North Carolinians."

Go behind the headlines with WFAE political reporter Steve Harrison in his weekly newsletter, Inside Politics. Steve will provide insight about and analysis of local and statewide politics. Readers will gain an understanding of political news on the horizon and why it matters. 

While you're at it, go ahead and take a listen to our companion podcast:“Inside Politics,” hosted by Steve Harrison and Lisa Worf.

Steve Harrison is WFAE's politics and government reporter. Prior to joining WFAE, Steve worked at the Charlotte Observer, where he started on the business desk, then covered politics extensively as the Observer’s lead city government reporter. Steve also spent 10 years with the Miami Herald. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, the Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.