Langdon won’t seek reelection

The emails to media outlets came in quick succession.

First, longtime N.C. House member James H. Langdon Jr., a Republican from McGee’s Crossroads, said he would not seek reelection in 2016. Then, five minutes later, Johnston school board chairman Larry Strickland, also a Republican, said he would run to succeed Langdon in House District 28.

Tony Braswell, the Republican chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, also threw his hat in the ring.

“I am very grateful to the people of Johnston County for giving me the opportunity to serve them,” said Langdon, who was a county commissioner for eight years before joining the House in 2005.

“I have enjoyed serving in the N.C. House and appreciate the many friends I have on both sides of the aisle,” he added. “I intend to remain active in my community and church at the end of my term, and I also plan to continue in my hobby of woodworking and especially my pen making.”

In the House, Langdon is chairman of the Agriculture Committee and vice chairman of the Local Government Committee. He also serves on committees on appropriations, education, insurance, state personnel, wildlife resources, and pensions and retirement.

He is a retired educator, farmer and professional photographer.

Strickland said he shared Langdon’s interest – and experience – in education and agriculture.

As with Langdon, “education will remain a priority in Raleigh, as it always has been in my service to Johnston County,” Strickland said. “I believe my experience ... as a member of the Johnston County Board of Education and, specifically, as chairman have uniquely qualified prepared me to represent the people, parents and children of this wonderful county we all love.”

Strickland, who lives in Pine Level, noted that he grew up on a farm in Johnston. “I still have a working farm where we grow a variety of agricultural commodities that are vital to North Carolina,” he said.

If elected, Strickland said, he would work to help Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reach his goal of turning agriculture into a $100 billion industry in North Carolina.

“Johnston County’s roots ... are in agriculture, and I will not forget that most important fact,” he said.

As a 25-year employee of the N.C. Department of Transportation, “I ... understand how vital infrastructure is to the economy of this state and intend to bring a vision of growth to the General Assembly,” Strickland said. “Getting people back to work is important, and infrastructure is a key component of economic development.”

“I would like to thank Representative J.H. Langdon for his service to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina, especially in the fields of education, agriculture and state personnel,” Strickland said. His “vision, integrity and character are second to none.”

Strickland has been a member of the Johnston County Board of Education since 1998. His current term expires in 2018.

Braswell, also a Republican, has been a county commissioner since 2004. His term expires next year.

The board’s current chairman, Braswell said he would be a friend of business if elected to the House.

“I am a candidate for N.C. House Seat 28 because it’s time for government to stop over-regulating the people of North Carolina and stifling our economic growth,” he said.

Braswell is a former mayor of Pine Level and a retired small-business owner. He and his wife owned flower shops in Johnston County before retiring in 2009. He remains a managing partner in a Legends Real Estate, a property-management firm.

“I will be ready to lead on Day One in the N.C. House due to my previous experience in elected office,” Braswell said. “But more importantly, I’m a businessman who has worked for more than 22 years in the agri-insurance business. I know firsthand that the agriculture economy plays a hugely important role in the economy of Johnston County. And just as importantly, as a small-business owner, I am well aware of the burden of government over-regulation and how this over0regulation impedes greater job creation.”

N.C. House District 28 encompasses the eastern, southern and western portions of Johnston County. It includes the towns of Benson, Four Oaks, Micro, Pine Level, Princeton and Selma and the communities of Cleveland and McGee’s Crossroads.

The Republican Party primary will be March 15, 2016.

This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 7:47 AM with the headline "Langdon won’t seek reelection."