NC House reads resignation from Rep. Jared Lowery; Gov. Stein names John Lee Lowery to fill seat

Representative Jared Lowery submitted his resignation from the North Carolina House of Representatives, and a letter to that effect was read on the House floor Monday. The letter, addressed to House Speaker Destin Hall and read aloud by the clerk, said Lowery had "decided to change course to continue to serve in a different capacity" and stated the resignation would be effective Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m.

Following the resignation reading, the clerk read a gubernatorial proclamation from Gov. Josh Stein appointing John Lee Lowery of Robeson County to fill the unexpired term in State House District 47. The proclamation cited the recommendation of the District 47 Republican executive committee and referenced state vacancy procedures. The clerk noted that Representative Lowery "will be seated on a later date."

Earlier in the session Representative Penny moved to approve the House journal for Sept. 25; the presiding officer called for the ayes and the journal was approved as written. Near the end of the brief session Representative Penney moved that the House adjourn and reconvene Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 9:30 a.m., subject to the standard stipulation in Rule 15.1; the motion passed and the House stood adjourned.

The clerk's readings on the floor included references to statutory vacancy procedures and to the party committee recommendation process used to nominate a replacement for an unexpired term. The appointment was announced to the House; the transcript indicates the appointee will be seated at a later date and does not record a separate confirmation vote by the chamber.