(The Center Square) – From one fifth-term lawmaker to another, the North Carolina Senate has its new majority leader.
Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, was chosen Tuesday morning by the Republican Caucus. He fills the position vacated by former Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, who left the chamber last week to accept a role starting April 21 in Chapel Hill as vice chancellor and general counsel for Carolina.
Newton had been reelected in November to a fifth term, same as Lee.
“It is an honor to have the support and trust of my colleagues,” Lee said in a release provided by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. “Our caucus is filled with incredible individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the General Assembly. I look forward to working with every caucus member to help accomplish their priorities and build on the last 14 years of successful policy achievements.”
Lee is chairman of two committees: Appropriations/Base Budget, and Education/Higher Education. He’s a member of four others: Commerce and Insurance; Health Care; Judiciary; Rules and Operations of the Senate.
For nonstanding committees, Lee is co-chairman of two: Joint Legislative Education Oversight, and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the North Carolina State Lottery. He’s member of three others: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations; Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety; and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Capital Improvements.
Berger, in a release, said, “Michael works day in and day out to do the best for his constituents. He is someone every senator – Republican or Democrat – can turn to for advice and mentorship. I am thankful for his willingness to step forward to help lead our caucus.”
