RALEIGH — Caldwell County’s Rep. Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) was unanimously elected as the first millennial in state history to hold the role of North Carolina Speaker of the House.
With his wife by his side holding a Bible, Hall was sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Tamara Barringer.
All elected members of the House were sworn in prior to Hall’s election as speaker.
Following his swearing in, former Republican House Speakers Thom Tillis, Tim Moore and Harold Brubaker joined Hall at the podium to congratulate him.
Moore was recently sworn in as the state’s District 14 congressional representative. Tillis is in his second term as one of North Carolina’s two U.S. senators.
“Only in America can someone with my childhood and background have the opportunity to serve in a role like speaker of the House,” Hall said in a series of remarks following his swearing in.
Hall discussed school choice, tax cuts, cost of living and public safety.
“Our job as members of the state house is to do everything in our power to make sure the people of our state have the opportunity to experience the American Dream,” said Hall.
He also addressed the need to continue helping victims of Hurricane Helene.
“I want to make clear that our first priority and most urgent issue this session will be rebuilding western North Carolina,” said Hall. “The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but North Carolina is prepared, determined and moving forward.”
Hall said that his commitment to being speaker would be to “focus on what matters” and “on the things that I learned from my grandparents and on the things every North Carolinian needs to thrive in our great state.”
Closing out his remarks, Hall thanked the members for electing him speaker.
“Thank you for the incredible honor you’ve bestowed on this Caldwell County boy who never dreamed of standing here today. God bless you and God bless the great state of North Carolina,” said Hall. “Now… let’s get to work.”
Other officers and positions were also installed, including 13-year House veteran Rep. Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba) being nominated and subsequently elected as House speaker pro tempore.
