Representative Joseph R. John of State House District 40 announced his resignation from the North Carolina House of Representatives, saying in a written statement that his doctors had informed him that all treatment options were exhausted and that he faced a terminal diagnosis. "The decision, though incredibly difficult, is made with the intention of focusing on my health and spending cherished time with my family," John said in the statement read into the record.

The resignation triggered the process for filling the seat under state law. Governor Josh Stein sent a proclamation appointing Philip Anthony Rubin of Wake County to fill the unexpired term for State House District 40 pending confirmation by the General Assembly, citing North Carolina General Statute 163-11. Rubin subscribed to the oath of office earlier the same day and was assigned Seat 83 in the chamber.

The House also took up and adopted House Resolution 18, a resolution honoring the life and service of Joseph R. John Sr. The resolution was sponsored by Representatives Ball, Reeves, Maury and A. Jones and was adopted by voice vote. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John's legal and legislative career and his role as a colleague.

Why it matters: John served multiple terms and previously served as a judge and in various public roles; his resignation and the appointment to fill his seat change the chamber's membership immediately and set a confirmation process in motion for the governor's appointee.

Details and context: In his statement the representative described long public service and asked for privacy to spend time with family. The governor's proclamation explicitly referenced the Democratic executive committee's recommendation and implemented the vacancy-filling process required by statute. The House clerk read both the resignation statement and the governor's proclamation into the record. Members then rose to speak in tribute before adopting the honoring resolution and recognizing John's family in the gallery.

What's next: Rubin will serve as the interim appointee pending confirmation procedures by the General Assembly as specified in state law. No confirmation vote was recorded on the floor during this session.