Democratic Rep. Joe John resigns from NC legislature after terminal cancer diagnosis
Update: Rep. Joe John died Jan. 22, 2025. For more on his legacy, read this story.
Following a terminal cancer diagnosis, Rep. Joe John, a Wake County Democrat who served in the North Carolina General Assembly for eight years, announced his resignation from the state House on Sunday.
“This decision, though incredibly difficult, is made with the intention of focusing on my health and spending cherished time with my family during this challenging period,” John, 85, shared in a message on Facebook Jan. 19. “Throughout this journey, I’ve given everything I have, and I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done together as a community.”
Three days later, his family announced his death. They described him as a “dedicated statesman who selflessly committed decades of his life to serving the people of North Carolina, leaving an enduring legacy in public service.”
In November, John was elected to a fifth term in the House representing District 40, which is in northwest Wake. The county Democratic Party will select his replacement.
Before his election to the legislature, John also spent almost 25 years as a judge in district and superior court — as well as on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
As a state lawmaker, John frequently warned of the politicization of the judiciary, saying in 2023 that he was “deeply troubled and distressed about the future of an independent judiciary in North Carolina.”
John joined other Democratic House members in sponsoring legislation to make the state’s judicial races nonpartisan once again and provide public funding for judicial campaigns.
The bill did not get a hearing in the Republican-controlled legislature.
“As I reflect on my time in service, I hope my legacy will be one of dedication to the common good — working to build bridges, advocate for the voiceless, and fight for justice,” John said. “My deepest wish is that the work we’ve done together will live on, inspiring future leaders to carry the torch of compassion, reasonableness, and progress.”
Gov. Josh Stein thanked John for his service in a social media post on Monday, writing, “While his impact on the lives of North Carolinians will be lasting, his leadership will be sorely missed. Anna and I send him and his family our love and prayers.”
House Democratic Leader Robert Reives also shared his appreciation for John in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with Rep. Joe John and his family as he steps back from public office,” he said. “... Our caucus and our state are lucky to have him.”
This story was originally published January 20, 2025 at 2:05 PM.
