RALEIGH, N.C. — Senator Jim Perry, a Republican representing District 2, announced his resignation from the North Carolina Senate effective immediately. Perry, who has served since his appointment in January 2019, cited the completion of the short session and personal reflections on his time in office as reasons for his departure.

“It has been a great honor to be a member of the North Carolina Senate and to serve the people of the East,” Perry said in a Facebook Post. “I am incredibly thankful to have been chosen by them for this life experience. I am also thankful to my family for enduring the scheduling demands of me serving in the North Carolina General Assembly.”

Perry was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to replace Louis Pate, who resigned due to health reasons. Perry has since served three terms and held significant roles, including Majority Whip and Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Reflecting on his tenure, Perry said, “During my three terms, I have learned a great deal about our state. I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people, and I benefit from their meaningful friendships that will be with me until the day I leave this earth. I wanted to learn to be effective for the people of my district and I wanted to leave ENC in a little better position than when I was trusted with the office. I hope one day history will show that to be the case.”

Perry's served on several key committees, including Health Care, Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Commerce and Insurance, Pensions and Retirement and Aging, and State and Local Government Committees. Additionally, he was a member of the Child Fatality Task Force.

Former Senator Kirk DeViere, a Democrat who served from 2019 to 2023, praised Perry's dedication on Facebook. “Always show up for your friends,” DeViere said. “Yesterday was my first time back on the floor of the NC Senate since leaving office in Dec of 2022. Back to support my friend and former colleague Senator Jim Perry who made some farewell comments to the senate as they are wrapping up work for the summer and he didn’t seek re-election. It was great to see friends and former colleagues and the great staff at the general assembly.”

Perry expressed gratitude for his time in office and the support he received. “After completing the business of the short session, save a few ‘check-in’ days for the remainder of the year, I decided to submit my resignation to be effective today,” Perry said. “Thank you for allowing me to serve. May God bless the great state of North Carolina!”

The resignation marks the end of a notable period in the NC Senate, with Perry's contributions leaving a lasting impact on his district and the state.