On July 23rd, 2024, New Bern Alderman Bob Brinson was nominated by the Republican 2nd Senatorial District Committee to serve the remainder of North Carolina Senator Jim Perry’s unexpired term. Senator Perry resigned his position on July 1st, 2024. This nomination now goes to Governor Roy Cooper for appointment. Per NC Statute 163-11, the governor shall appoint the nominee or after seven days, the nominee is presumed to be appointed.

State statutes also preclude Alderman Brinson from serving in two elected offices simultaneously, so he will be resigning from his Ward 6 Alderman position prior to taking the North Carolina Senate oath of office. The dates of his resignation and swearing-in ceremony are yet to be determined. Please direct questions regarding filling his unexpired term as Alderman to the City of New Bern.

When asked to make a statement, Alderman Brinson said, “I am both humbled and honored that the 2nd Senatorial District Committee has selected me to fill the unexpired term of Senator Jim Perry. I have treated the position of New Bern Alderman as a neighbor serving neighbors. As the next North Carolina State Senator representing Craven, Beaufort, and Lenoir Counties, I will take this mentality and work ethic with me to continue to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina.

I want to thank Senator Jim Perry, his wife, Rebecca, and his daughters for their service and sacrifice to our great state. Jim’s dedication to Eastern North Carolina is unmatched in recent history and is an example we all should emulate.

I know I have much to learn, and I will strive in earnest to learn quickly. I am also well aware that legislation and governing is not done alone. I will have two priorities. The first is to continue to listen to constituents and governing bodies throughout this district to discern the issues facing us and their solutions. The second will be to forge relationships and earn respect throughout the North Carolina Senate and House to enact legislation that will benefit Eastern North Carolina. Lawmakers east of 95 must work together to help our rural communities.”