Democratic Rep. Joe John resigns following terminal cancer diagnosis
The Wake County Democrat has been in the legislature for eight years. With a terminal cancer diagnosis, he's stepping down from his seat.
Democratic state Rep. Joe John of Wake County has resigned from his legislative seat following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
“After a courageous and arduous battle with cancer, I have been informed by my doctors that all treatment options have been exhausted, and I now face a terminal diagnosis,” John said in a statement.
John was first elected to the legislature in 2016, where he has served ever since. Before that, John was a judge and State Bureau of Investigation crime lab director.
“If my time in office has made even a small difference in your lives, then I will leave this world knowing I’ve done my part,” John wrote.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein will name John’s replacement upon the recommendation of the Wake County Democratic Party executive council, per state law.
“Our thoughts are with Rep. Joe John and his family as he steps back from public office," House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said in a statement. "Rep. John has been a lifelong public servant, serving as a judge for decades as Director of the SBI and most recently as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Our caucus and our state are lucky to have him.”
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