Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, who’s already said that his record fifth two-year term leading the chamber would be his last, confirmed Thursday that he won’t run for reelection to his House seat in 2024, either.

The Cleveland County Republican was first elected to the House in 2002.

“I don’t plan to seek reelection to the state House,” Moore told reporters after a public event outside the Legislative Building. And when asked what he’ll run for instead, he replied: “I don’t know yet.”

During the 2021 redistricting period, Moore weighed running for a congressional seat in a potential open district west of Charlotte, but he declined. That possibility could resurface as legislators complete another remapping of the state’s congressional districts next month. Candidate filing begins Dec. 4, with primaries set for March 5.

Moore, an attorney who turns 53 next week, became the House Rules Committee chairman in 2011 when Republicans took over the chamber. He succeeded now-U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis as speaker in 2015.

Moore also said Thursday he would serve out the remainder of his term representing the 111th House seat and will be speaker during the budget-adjusting work session that should begin next spring.

“I’m going to serve the balance of my term. I’ve got a lot of good work to do and looking at next steps … at a number of great options out there,” Moore said.

Moore confirmed his planned departure from the House at the end of 2024 while responding to questions about his pull to insert spending provisions in the recently approved state budget that will benefit his region, such as $40 million toward a new Cleveland County Courthouse and 911 center.

“I’m not going to be here forever, and whoever replaces me will likely be sitting somewhere toward the back of the room,” with less influence, Moore said.

Some previous speakers over the past 30 years have remained rank-and-file members of the legislature.

Current House Republicans already saying they intend to run to succeed Moore as speaker include Majority Leader John Bell of Wayne County, Rules Committee Chairman Destin Hall of Caldwell County and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Keith Kidwell of Beaufort County. Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County, a senior budget-writer, also has said he’s considering a bid.

The elevation of another Republican to speaker in early 2025 is most likely contingent on the GOP retaining a majority after the 2024 elections.

 

Photo via AP Photo/Chris Seward.

 

Related Stories
‹
Rep. Robert Reives Discusses New Leadership in North Carolina's General Assembly
As the North Carolina General Assembly started the 2025 legislative session, leadership in both chambers and parties features some new faces.
Orange County's NC Reps, Local Governments React to Anti-Diversity and Equity Measures
As a bill in the North Carolina House aims to ban diversity improvement efforts, local elected officials from Orange County are speaking out.
Another $500M for Hurricane Helene Relief in North Carolina Passes Key Hurdle
Another $500 million to be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts earned unanimous approval in the North Carolina House on Tuesday.
Helene Relief, Vetoes Will Be Challenges for New North Carolina House Speaker
Gathering for a one-day General Assembly meeting to seat lawmakers, the North Carolina House picked Rep. Destin Hall as its next speaker.
North Carolina’s GOP-Controlled House Overrides Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s Vetoes
North Carolina's Republican-led House quickly overrode three of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes on Wednesday.
North Carolina Legislators Consider Vetoes, Constitution Changes as Work Session Winds Down
The North Carolina General Assembly raced Wednesday to advance legislation before completing its chief working session for the year
North Carolina Senate Gives Initial Approval to Legalizing Medical Marijuana
Written by MAKIYA SEMINERA North Carolina got a step closer to legalizing medical marijuana on Thursday when the state Senate gave it its initial approval. The Senate approved a measure legalizing medical marijuana in its first of two votes, 33-9, with nine Republicans breaking from the rest of the party to oppose it. If approved […]
North Carolina Legislature Likely Heading Home Soon for a ‘Little Cooling Off’ Over Budget
With each legislative chamber uninterested in hearing the other's spending proposal, North Carolina lawmakers look ready to go on hiatus.
North Carolina Republicans Seek Control Over State and Local Election Boards Ahead of 2024
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON Republicans who control the North Carolina legislature with veto-proof majorities are close to wrestling supervision of elections from the governor and the governor’s party — almost always the Democrats for over a century. A bill that could reach Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk this week would, among other changes, take away from […]
North Carolina Republicans Are in a Budget Standoff Because of Gambling Provisions
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON Republicans at the North Carolina legislature converged Tuesday in a standoff over an already long-delayed budget plan because the House and Senate disagree on adding provisions that would further expand state-sanctioned gambling. House Speaker Tim Moore said not enough of his GOP colleagues in the chamber are willing to support a […]
›