(The Center Square) – State Sen. Paul Newton is leaving the North Carolina General Assembly.
His retirement is effective Wednesday evening “to pursue an opportunity outside of state government,” a release says. The Cabarrus County Republican, party majority leader, was first elected in November 2016 and just over four months ago won his fifth two-year term.
His replacement will be chosen by Republicans in District 34.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cabarrus County for nearly a decade,” Newton said. “During that time, I’ve been able to play a small role in so many consequential pieces of legislation that have made an incredible impact on the lives of North Carolinians – from significantly reducing the tax burden for all families and supporting businesses of all sizes, to expanding educational opportunities. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for the relationships that we’ve built over the years. I’m especially grateful to the Republican Caucus for electing me to majority leader. Your trust has meant the world to me.”
Newton’s career before the Legislature included 25 years at Duke Energy, retiring in 2015, and five years of private legal practice. He earned his undergrad and law degree at Carolina, then completed the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Among several major awards won is the 2008 Father of the Year from the American Diabetes Association.
His campaigns and efforts in the General Assembly have included lower taxes, better schools, smaller government, protection of the Second Amendment, stronger families and creation of jobs.
“Paul has been a valued voice and leader in the Republican Caucus and the Senate for years,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. “He’s provided a calm presence and wise counsel to many legislators during his time in Raleigh. He was always willing to tackle the tough subjects and never wavered from his convictions. I’m thankful that he stepped up last biennium to help lead our caucus, and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish outside of the General Assembly.”
Newton this session was serving as chairman of three standing committees: Appropriations on Education/Higher Education; Finance; and Pensions and Retirement and Aging. He was a member of six others: Agriculture, Energy and Environment; Elections; Health Care; Judiciary; Rules and Operations of the Senate; and Select Committee on Nominations.
He was co-chairman of two nonstanding committees: Revenue Laws Study, and Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy. He was ex-officio to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. He was a member of the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight; Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance; and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.
