After 24 years in the House, a Charlotte Democrat plans to retire
State Rep. Beverly Earle, one of North Carolina’s longest-serving lawmakers, plans to retire at the end of this year.
Earle said she needs back surgery and thought it was time to call it quits after her current term, her 12th. She’s been a leader on health and aging issues.
The Charlotte Democrat with a passion for Harley-Davidsons ran for mayor in 2007 but lost to Republican Pat McCrory.
She’s the second veteran lawmaker this month to announce retirement.
Rep. Mickey Michaux, a Durham Democrat, plans to step down after 22 elections. Only Michaux and Republican Julia Howard of Davie County have served longer than Earle.
“Her institutional knowledge is going to be sorely missed,” said Rep. Becky Carney, a Charlotte Democrat. “She’s done a lot for Mecklenburg County. She’s always been one of those go-to members, certainly around issues of Medicaid and health. Besides she’s a good friend.”
Jim Morrill: 704-358-5059, @jimmorrill
This story was originally published February 16, 2018 at 10:11 AM with the headline "After 24 years in the House, a Charlotte Democrat plans to retire."