RALEIGH — Rep. Susan Martin (R-Wilson) announced on Monday that she will not seek another term in the N.C. House of Representatives. In her announcement, Martin said, “after much prayer and discussion with my family, I’ve decided not to run for re-election in 2018.” Martin was first elected in 2012 and assumed office in 2013. She is currently on the House committees on Finance and Commerce and Job Development and serves as vice chair of the Regulator Reform Committee.
Retired from IBM, Martin said she “decided to run for office to make a difference for families.” She pointed to “Raise the Age” legislation — which reformed juvenile justice laws in the state — and improvements to mental health care as initiatives of which she was proud to have contributed.
Martin noted that she worked to restore the Historic Preservation tax credits for rural downtown development and helped pass legislation that created the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and eliminated the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency’s debt crisis that had stifled economic development in her area.
“Our state is better today because of Susan’s dedication and passion for economic development,” said Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne). “Our caucus wishes her the best and she will be missed.”
Martin said she is “confident that there are new opportunities waiting to be discovered, for me and for whoever steps forward to continue the positive momentum we have made in making North Carolina one of the fastest growing economies in the country.” Martin’s announcement comes after a judicially appointed map-maker left Martin’s newly drawn House district intact. She will represent District 8 through the end of her term, but lives in the same district as incumbent Democrat Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield. The new district supported Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton 52-46 percent in the 2016 election.
“Susan is a tireless advocate for eastern North Carolina and especially for our rural communities,” said Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain). “I appreciate her selfless service to the people of North Carolina and wish her all the best.”
