Overview
- The Mardi Gras–themed “Doggi Gras” took place in the Hart Senate Office Building on Feb. 25, where Sen. Thom Tillis told attendees it would be his final parade.
- The retiring North Carolina Republican has led the bipartisan tradition since 2017, and last fall’s scheduled parade was canceled during a government funding lapse.
- West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice attended with Babydog and said he would take over hosting if Tillis passes the torch, though no successor has been named.
- The event coincided with a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, prompting online criticism from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, commentator Jack Posobiec and Rep. Andrew Clyde.
- Tillis defended the gathering as a brief morale booster for Capitol Hill, telling critics to “grow up” and insisting lawmakers can “walk and chew gum.”