State Rep. Linda Johnson, a senior GOP leader, dies after brief illness
State Rep. Linda Johnson of Cabarrus County, one of the most influential members of the North Carolina House, died Tuesday.
Johnson, 74, had been hospitalized for two weeks from the effects of a stroke. According to WCNC, she suffered another stroke on Sunday while awaiting radiation treatment for cancer.
Only two Republicans in the House had more seniority than Johnson, who was in her 10th term. She announced last year that she would not run again.
She chaired a major appropriations committee and helped oversee education policy.
“Linda Johnson had a beloved and infectious spirit that resonated throughout the North Carolina General Assembly every day, and the tragic news of her passing is a terrible loss for our legislative community, her family, and the people she served in Cabarrus County,” Speaker Tim Moore said in a statement.
“I know I speak for all my colleagues that she represented the very best of North Carolina and will always be remembered for her kind nature and powerful voice for public schools.”
In a statement, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said Johnson “served our state with honor and distinction and we are grateful for her life and service.”
Republican Rep. John Torbett of Gaston County considered her a mentor and friend.
“There’s a hole that I don’t think will be easily filled at all,” he said Wednesday. “She represented her constituency extremely well. I just don’t think anybody will be able to fill her shoes.”
This story was originally published February 19, 2020 at 1:16 PM.
