RALEIGH – On Monday July 20, state Sen. Andy Wells (R-Catawba) announced his retirement a few months before the end of his term. Wells unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor, losing in the Republican primary in March. Wells’ retirement will be effective on July 27.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Alexander and Catawba counties for eight years,” Sen. Wells said. “While in the House and Senate I worked to take North Carolina’s tax climate from one of the highest in the region to one of the most competitive. That work has positioned North Carolina to be one of the best states to do business in. It has been fulfilling to see our efforts make a positive change in the lives of countless North Carolinians.”
“Andy has been a dedicated and thoughtful member of the Senate. He has worked tirelessly to reform the state’s pension and retirement system, making sure that it remains solvent for years to come,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said. “He has a knack for finding regulations that have burdened businesses and the citizens of North Carolina. His work to remove those burdens will have a lasting legacy on the state.”
Retired Hickory businessman Dean Proctor won the Republican nomination in Senate district 42 and will likely be named Wells’ replacement.
