RALEIGH — N.C. Rep-Elect Chris Humphrey (R-12) was elected by his peers Wednesday to serve as the whip of the freshman majority in the N.C. House. Humphrey is one of only two freshmen elected to serve in a leadership role.

N.C. Rep. Bell, the House Majority Leaders, said Humphrey understands the value of working with others for the good of Eastern North Carolina.

“Chris understands many of the challenges we face in Eastern North Carolina,” Bell said. “We do not have a single county or district east of Interstate 95 that can prosper as an island. We must be able to form relationships and work together so that Eastern North Carolina has a fighting chance to prosper.

“He has started his legislative career the right way — by working to earn the trust and respect of his peers.”

Humphrey said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him by his peers and that he has work to do immediately. 

“I understand that people are depending on me to work hard,” Humphrey said. “We need different results for our communities. It is sobering to look at all of the Tier 1 counties in the East. We need different results, and I know that requires a different approach than we have seen in the past.

“My time in the Legislature can’t be about me. I have to work with other lawmakers for the best interests of the people of rural North Carolina.”