District 18 Democrats soon will begin the process of replacing former Rep. Thomas Wright.

Jim Morgan, chairman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, said the four-person committee charged with selecting Wright's replacement will meet soon to set up a timeline.

"The committee could decide to wait until the primary [to choose a replacement]," Morgan said. "That has not been determined, but we expect that it will be before the primary."

He said the two candidates, Hollis Briggs Jr. and Sandra Spaulding Hughes, who filed to run against Wright in the District 18 primary will be considered for the appointment, but the committee likely will also consider other possibilities.

"We haven't ruled anybody in or anybody out," Morgan said.

The New Hanover Democratic Party asked Rep. Thomas Wright to resign.

According to WWAY news, party chairman Jim Morgan said the party has told the Wilmington Democrat he should step down.

"Given the seriousness of the indictments and the fact that the Board of Elections had suspended his campaign, we have come to the conclusion that it would be in Mr. Wright's best interest as well as the best interest of his constituents that he step down to focus on his defense and allow the democratic party to find a replacement."