State Rep. Joe Kiser, a Lincoln County Republican and former sheriff, said today he will not run for re-election to the legislature.
"This is a very difficult decision for me to leave the many friends I have made in both parties in the North Carolina House and North Carolina Senate," Kiser said in a statement, David Ingram reports.
Kiser is in his seventh, two-year House term. He served in the GOP leadership for four years.
He previously served as Lincoln County sheriff. The experience made him an influential voice on criminal justice issues in Raleigh, where he is known for advocating longer prison sentences.
Former House member Johnathan Rhyne Jr., a Republican and a lawyer and businessman in Lincolnton, has said he plans to run for Kiser's seat, which encompasses all of Lincoln County.
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