Chris Humphrey was sworn in Thursday at the Lenoir Community College Administration Building auditorium by Lenoir County Clerk of Courts Dawn Stroud, right. Standing next to Humphrey is his fiance, Terry Light. Photo by Richy Huneycutt / Lenoir Community College

It’s official for Chris Humphrey.

Humphrey was sworn in Thursday at the Lenoir Community College Administration Building auditorium in front of hundreds of friends, family members and supporters. Humphrey will represent District 12 in the N.C. House and was elected by his peers in December to serve as the whip of the freshman majority in the House, one of two selected in a leadership role.

“I’m humbled to be chosen to represent the people of District 12,” Humphrey said. “I’m not a perfect man, but I want to assure you all that my faith is my guiding presence. I will lean on God to help me make better decisions for the betterment of the state of North Carolina and I’m truly thankful for His goodness.”

Humphrey, who will represent Lenoir County and the southern part of Pitt County, said he will do his part to speak for the area.

“I truly believe that rural North Carolina is not getting our fair share and we need someone to stand up for our interests in Raleigh,” Humphrey said. “I’m ready to be that man. I want to help out all people in North Carolina without regard for education, race, wealth, political affiliation or any other divisive category. We are all children of the same God and I pledge to you (that) I will make Lenoir and Pitt County better for all of us, and most importantly, better for our children.”

N.C. Rep John Bell (R-10) said he has faith in Humphrey’s abilities to do a great job for the area.

“We’re excited to have (Chris) on board and look forward to working with (him),” Bell said. “I know (he’ll) do a great job for North Carolina, Lenoir and Pitt County.”

Lenoir County Commissioner J. Mac Daughety said with Humphrey’s background, which included a stint as a member of the Board, said the new representative will be able to relate to the needs of the area well.

“We need a voice in Raleigh that has been a community commissioner, that understands the challenges of counties and cities, as we deal with numerous jobs with limited resources,” Daughety said. “I am very proud of Chris, that he is going to be our representative — moreso that he will be an advocate for us.”

Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse had similar sentiments.

“He’s dedicated to the board, dedicated to his family (and) dedicated to Lenoir County,” Rouse said. “I can’t think of anybody better that we can have serving us.”

James Perry, Humphrey’s campaign advisor, said it was important for the area to rally around not just the new representative, but each official serving in the state and local levels.

“It is up to us to realize that we are stronger together than we are apart,” Perry said. “We must come together as a community as we move forward (and) support all of our elected officials so that our community can prosper in the future.”

Khayyam Shepherd, pastor of SOI Ministries, said Humphrey has strong qualities which should assist him immensely in the General Assembly.

“I believe in character, I believe in integrity and I believe in honor,” Shepherd said. “I think he’s a fine young man, (and) even though we cast our votes and (he) won, (he is where he is) by God’s divine authority. We will keep (him) in our prayers and believe the best is yet to come.”