GOP senator welcomes contested 2024 presidential primary

• "On policy trajectories, I had very few differences with President Trump."
• "We all have our different styles and personalities, and there were some instances where I disagreed with him, and I've told him that."

Tillis described his state of North Carolina as an important bellwether.

• "I think people talk about trending red or trending blue, I really do believe that North Carolina is a purple state and is likely to stay that way for some time."

The big picture: The GOP field is quickly starting to take shape.

• Trump is already on the 2024 trail, having announced his bid in November.
• Nikki Haley — the former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the UN — is expected to announce her 2024 presidential campaign on Feb. 15 in Charleston, South Carolina, Axios reported Wednesday.
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is unlikely to make a final decision about a potential 2024 presidential bid until at least May, Axios reported last month.