(The Center Square) – State Rep. Jon Hardister, second in a four-candidate primary for labor commissioner, has submitted his resignation from office.

The six-term Guildford County Republican in a letter to constituents said he would dedicate time to family and work in the private sector. He also wrote, “As for my future in public service, only time will tell. We will see what doors open down the road.”

The Legislature returns for the short session next month. His term was scheduled to end Dec. 31, and the Guilford County Republican Party has responsibility to appoint his successor to complete the assignment.

Hardister was second to Luke Farley in the Republican primary race for commissioner of the Labor Department. Democrat Braxton Winston opposes Farley in the fall.

Hardister wrote, “Reflecting back, I am proud of what we have accomplished in the NC House. During my time in office, I was able to play a role in lowering our tax burden, paying off billions of dollars in debt, creating a budget surplus, and helping to make North Carolina the best state for business.

“Tens of thousands of new jobs have come to our state as a result of the pro-economic policies that we have enacted. All of this was done while investing in the core services of government, including education and public safety. I am proud of this record, and I am leaving office with a sense that I did my job and left the state better than it was before.”