BRIANNA KRAEMER
Carolina Journal
Assembly less than a week after the short session adjournment. The majority whip, who represented Senate District 2, sent a letter to legislative officials on Monday announcing that he will conclude his time in office effective Tuesday,
The announcement comes after Perry revealed last year that he would not seek reelection this November. Perry took office in 2019 to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Louis Pate. In 2021, Republicans chose him to serve as majority whip.
Senate Republicans’ ability to override Gov. Cooper’s vetoes now stands below the veto-proof supermajority, but the local GOP will be able to nominate an individual to fill his seat until the election is held.
In the letter, Perry said it’s been a special privilege to serve in the North Carolina Senate and expressed gratitude for being chosen to serve in the position. He briefly touched on his resignation while steering the conversation to an all-too-familiar ‘non-controversial’ topic: BBQ, which he argues was perfected in Eastern North Carolina.
Following the announcement, Perry told the Carolina Journal that he didn’t run for office again because he would not be able to devote the time he thought was necessary to be effective due to other obligations he must focus on.
“I have some family members with some health issues, and I’ve got a couple of small, minor things myself health-wise that I need to take care of,” he explained in an interview. “Finding time to do that is tough with the demands of the position and the uncertainty of the schedule… After finishing up and talking with my family and my colleagues, I think this is the right thing for me to do at this time.”
Previously retired, Perry hopes to catch a break while spending time with family. But down the road, not all cards are off the table. With an extensive background in private equity, he could one day see himself returning to the business world, but he’s also open to returning to politics at a different point.
“I’m old enough to know that you never say never,” said Perry. “But I can tell you today, none of it sounds very appealing. The only thing that sounds appealing right now is the beach.”
Perry recounted the great experiences and, most significantly, the relationships he formed over the past six years in office. Offering words of wisdom, he emphasized the value of building relationships while expressing fulfillment in making friends on both sides of the aisle.
“You go through so much together,” he said. “You learn so much together,” said Perry. “You can accomplish nothing by yourself. Those relationships are important. You need people to lean on.”
When Perry’s retirement was announced last year, Majority Leader Sen. Phil Berger commended him for his tireless work ethic and willingness to examine the details, which have had a lasting impact on health care and finance policy in the state.
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