House losing a 5th member as session winds down

(The Center Square) – Republican Jeffrey Elmore, state representative from Wilkes County in northwestern North Carolina, announced his resignation from the House of Representatives effective Friday.

Elmore was unable to win the lieutenant governor primary on Super Tuesday. His resignation letter was read on the floor of the chamber on Monday as lawmakers returned to session.

The Wilkes Journal-Patriot newspaper reports he has another yet to be announced opportunity. He is also resigning as a school art teacher. The news of his departure was first reported on Tuesday of last week.

Republican Blair Eddins of Purlear faces Democrat Steve Moree in the Nov. 5 election for the 94th House District seat. Elmore's unexpired term is to be filled by gubernatorial appointment based on his party's recommendation.

Elmore’s letter read in part, “There have been times of stress, sacrifice of time and missed family events, but to have the confidence of the voters of District 94 to be their voice in the North Carolina House is something I will always cherish. I was part of many great accomplishments in the past 12 years in the state of North Carolina. There will be even more great things to come in North Carolina’s future.”

Elmore, representing constituents in Alexander County in addition to his resident Wilkes, is vice chairman of the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee; chairman of the Appropriations Committee; vice chairman of Appropriations, Education; and member of committees on Agriculture, Education-Community Colleges, Education-K-12, and Pensions and Retirement.

Other House changes in the later stages of this two-year session include Republican Rep. Jon Hardister of Guilford County, resigned effective April 8 and was succeeded by Alan Branson; Democratic Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons of Guilford County, resigned effective Aug. 4 and was succeeded by Tracy Clark; and Republican Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County, resigned effective Aug. 12 and was succeeded by Heather Hager Rhyne.

The House also lost Rep. Kelly Alexander Jr., who died on Friday. He had earlier said he would not seek reelection.