Allen, Brintley pick up endorsements in race to succeed speaker in state House district

The General Assembly redrew the state’s 120 state House districts in October 2023. Photo via North Carolina General Assembly

RALEIGH — The four-way Republican primary to succeed outgoing N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) in his longtime state House district has prominent endorsements coming in for two of the contenders.

Moore has been representing the Cleveland County-based district since 2003 and announced in 2023 he was not seeking reelection. He subsequently announced a run for Congress and appears to be a strong favorite in that contest based on available polling and fundraising totals.

Advertisements

The North Carolina Troopers Association formally endorsed King Mountain city councilman David Allen in the Republican primary on March 5.

NCTA President Ben Kral said in a statement, “David has the proven leadership ability to be a great asset to the N.C. House. His years of public service make him uniquely qualified to serve the people of District 111.”

Also backing Allen is powerful House Senior Appropriations chairman Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln), who represents a neighboring district.

“I have known David for years professionally and personally, and I can confidently say that he is the right person for this crucial role,” Saine said in a statement to North State Journal.

“David’s experience as a retired captain with the North Carolina Highway Patrol brings invaluable insight to the table. David has consistently demonstrated his ability to listen, collaborate, and make informed decisions that benefit his constituents. His understanding of law enforcement and his commitment to public service make him a strong advocate for public safety, infrastructure development and community well-being.”

Brintley, also of Kings Mountain, has received an endorsement from Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

Robinson said of Brintley in his endorsement, “if you want someone to go into office who will stand for real NC values, this is the man.”

Brintley is also endorsed by the NC Values Coalition, former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, Dr. Ron Baity, NC District Court Judge Craig Collins and Gaston County Rep. Donnie Loftis.

Following the General Assembly’s 2023 redistricting session, the 111th District comprises parts of both Cleveland and Rutherford counties.

The other candidates in the race are Scott Neisler, the former mayor of Kings Mountain and Rutherford County school board member Paul Scott of Ellenboro.

Once a Republican nominee is chosen by voters, the winner will face Democratic nominee Frances Rollinson Webber of Shelby in the Nov. 5 general election.