RALEIGH – Flags throughout the State of North Carolina will be flying at half-mast today, and thereafter, to honor the life of Linda Johnson, a 10 term Republican member of the N.C. House. Johnson’s battle with cancer finally ended on February 18, 2020. She was 74 years old.
Johnson was a senior appropriations chair in the N.C. House, a powerful position helping to shape the budget process. She was also a co-chair of the joint education oversight committee.
In a released statement, the Republican caucus of the N.C. General Assembly said:
“Rep. Johnson’s career was one marked by significant achievements and accomplishments that impacted every North Carolinian, but what she was most proud of was the work she did to improve the lives of her constituents and empowering women to run for office. Rep. Johnson’s deep compassion and desire to serve will be greatly missed.”
The Speaker of the N.C. House, Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), released the following statement:
“Linda Johnson had a beloved and infectious spirit that resonated throughout the North Carolina General Assembly every day, and the tragic news of her passing is a terrible loss for our legislative community, her family, and the people she served in Cabarrus County. I know I speak for all my colleagues that she represented the very best of North Carolina and will always be remembered for her kind nature and powerful voice for public schools.”
After nearly two decades in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Johnson decided not to run for reelection in 2020, as she battled cancer. The decision provided her with an opportunity to reflect on her time in the legislature and the things that brought her the most pride over the years. Now that she has passed, these words resonate even stronger as a reflection of what she made her life’s work:
“After much prayer, deliberation, and numerous discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the North Carolina House. Representing the people of North Carolina House District 82 is a great honor and a privilege I take very seriously. I am very proud of the work that we have done to ensure North Carolina remains the best place in the world to live, work, play, raise a family, and start a business. I am particularly pleased that over the last decade, by practicing fiscal responsibility and sticking to our conservative values, we’ve transformed our state from a $5 billion budget deficit to having $2 billion in savings. All while reducing taxes across the board for families and small businesses, increasing funding for our schools, raising teachers’ salaries for six consecutive years, and reducing our state’s unemployment rate to record low levels.
Looking back at my time in the legislature, I am most proud of being a leader in our state’s efforts to partner with David Murdock to establish and grow the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. It has transformed the city of Kannapolis and our local economy while becoming a world-renowned leader in improving human health and nutrition through research. I am excited about what the future holds for the Research Campus and my hometown. It is a great example of what can be accomplished if we all put our egos aside and work together for what is best for our constituents and our state.
When I made the decision this week not to seek re-election, I immediately called my district liaison, Parish Moffitt, and asked him to consider running for this seat,” Johnson said. “It is critically important to me that our district be represented by a strong, effective, conservative voice in Raleigh, and I can think of no one who would do a better job than Parish. During his time working for me, Parish has demonstrated his keen understanding of the critical issues facing our district and proven his commitment to working for the people of District 82. Parish is ready to hit the ground running in Raleigh. He has my enthusiastic support and endorsement, and I am looking forward to campaigning on his behalf.
While I will not be seeking re-election in 2020, there is still much work to be done in Raleigh and much I hope to accomplish for the people of our great state during the next year. Rest assured, I will continue working hard for our district, our taxpayers, our schools, and our future.”
Rest in peace, Rep. Johnson.
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