Senate Democrats re-elected Martin Nesbitt as the minority leader and Sen. Josh Stein of Raleigh as minority whip for the next two years.
The selections, reported by the Associated Press, end rumors circulating through Raleigh that Senate Democrats were looking to shake up their leadership after losing two seats in the 2012 election that will keep them solidly in the minority. Republicans will hold super majorities in both legislative chambers next year.
Nesbitt represents Asheville. He served more than two decades in the N.C. House and four-plus terms in the Senate. He won Senate majority leader in 2009 when Democrats controlled the chamber.
Stein, who lives in Raleigh, will start his third term in January.
AP also reported that Senate Democrats selected Sens. Gladys Robinson of Greensboro, Floyd McKissick of Durham and Clark Jenkins of Tarboro as deputy minority leaders.
