By JERRY LANKFORD
Editor
Blair Eddins, the GOP nominee for N.C. House District 94, has been selected by his party to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Jeffrey Elmore who has resigned from his post.
Eddins was the sole nominee by the Republican leadership of the district, which includes most of Wilkes and all of Alexander County. The action was taken during a meeting in Taylorsville on Thursday evening, Sept. 19.
Elmore resigned from his seat in the N.C. House effective Friday, Sept. 13. Eddins, who won the Republican primary, will face Democrat Steve Moree in the Nov. 5 election. Eddins, if approved by Gov. Roy Cooper, will serve until the winner of the race is seated in December.
A statement sent to The Wilkes Record from the Wilkes Republican Party said that the 94th. House Legislative Executive Committee met at the Alexander Republican Headquarters and made the appointment to replace outgoing Rep. Jeffrey Elmore.
During the meeting, Eddins said, “I am deeply honored by the nomination to serve and complete the remainder of Jeffrey Elmore’s term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. His dedication to the people of the 94th. District has been exemplary, and I will strive to uphold the values and principles that have defined his tenure with a spirit of humility and unwavering commitment. I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of our district, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. It is with gratitude and determination that I step into this role, ready to serve and lead in the best interests of our community and state.”
Elmore told the group, “It has been an honor to be the voice of District 94 in the North Carolina House for the past six terms. I am proud that the Wilkes and Alexander GOP chose Blair Eddins to serve the remainder of my term.”
Elmore submitted his resignation in a letter to N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
In that letter Elmore said, “Today I am submitting my notice of resignation as District 94 Representative, effective September 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. The opportunity to serve the citizens of Wilkes, Alexander, and Alleghany counties over my six-term tenure has been one of the best experiences in my lifetime. 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. Thanks to everyone at the North Carolina General Assembly for their kindness and hard work!”
Copies of the letter were also sent to Governor Roy Cooper, Wilkes Republican Party Chairman Doug Cotton, and Alexander Republican Party Chairman Jack Simms.
Elmore’s resignation plans were first made public during the meeting of the Wilkes County Republican Party on Thursday evening, Aug. 23.
Elmore told The Wilkes Record on Friday, Aug. 24, that he was stepping down because “other opportunities have opened for me.” He added that he was not at liberty to say what the opportunities were.
Currently serving his sixth consecutive two-year term in the N.C. House, Elmore also served six years on the North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioner. He has also resigned his art teaching position of 23 years with Wilkes County Schools.
Describing the replacement process, Elmore said that after he gave the news to the House speaker and the GOP Executive Committees in both Wilkes and Alexander counties made their recommendation, the Governor would then receive the recommendation and draft a proclamation as to who will replace him.
Elmore chose not to run for re-election to his House seat, opting instead to run for the office of N.C. Lt. Governor. That primary was won by Republican Hal Weatherman.