Mitchell Setzer was elected speaker pro tempore of the North Carolina House of Representatives on Jan. 8, 2025, and James White was re-elected principal clerk during the chamber’s organizational session in Raleigh.

Representative Mitchell Setzer was nominated and seconded on the floor; the House closed nominations and elected Setzer by acclamation. Associate Justice Tamara Behringer administered the oath for speaker pro tempore. Setzer thanked members and pledged to fulfill the office “to the best of my knowledge, strength, and ability.”

Separately, Representative James White was nominated to continue as principal clerk and was elected by acclamation. White was sworn in after the election.

Speaker Destin C. Hall announced additional appointments: pursuant to House Rule 45, he appointed Larry Elliott as sergeant at arms and Sue Frederick as reading clerk for the 2025 session; both took the oath of office. The speaker also announced the appointment of Representative John Bell as chairman of the House Standing Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

On party organization, the House recorded majority and minority caucus leadership selections on the floor. The Republican caucus announced Representative Brendan Jones as majority leader and a slate of deputy leaders and whips. The Democratic caucus announced Representative Robert T. Reeves as leader and other leadership posts. Also, Representative Keith Kidwell announced formation of a House Freedom Caucus and reported its officers.

These officer elections and appointments complete much of the chamber’s organizational work; committee assignments and permanent rules were said to be forthcoming over the next several weeks.