House member, for second time in three days, tenders resignation

(The Center Square) – For the second time this week, a member has resigned from the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons, D-Guilford, is leaving for a position in the UNC System. A specific date to leave was not given, pending her replacement. She was a candidate for reelection this fall.

On Monday, Lincoln County Republican Jason Saine said Aug. 12 would be his final day.

Clemmons was first elected in 2018 and won reelection tries in 2020 and 2022. The educator is a member of committees for commerce; education in community colleges; K-12 education; finance; House rules; and the Select Committee on Oversight and Reform. Of the nonstanding committees, she’s a member of the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

The Center Square was unsuccessful in its attempt to get comments from Clemmons on her decision.

On Clemmons’ campaign website, she pledged to “improve schools, expand job opportunities, protect our environment and ensure basic rights, including fair voting districts and laws.”

The process to fill the rest of her term, and choose a new nominee for District 57, starts with Guilford County Democrats.

The Carolina grad rose to assistant superintendent of Thomasville City Schools following principalships in Rockingham and Guilford counties; and teaching in Durham and Guilford counties. She has a master’s from Harvard and a doctorate in education from UNC Greensboro.

Three Republicans resigned in just under 100 days, the latest being Saine. Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford , lost in the Super Tuesday primary running for Labor Department commissioner, then resigned from the House on April 8. State Sen. Jim Perry, R-Lenoir, left his chamber on July 2.