Wilmington attorney Michael Lee has announced he intends to run for the state Senate seat currently filled by Sen. Thom Goolsby, who has said he is not seeking re-election.
Lee, a Republican who currently serves on the North Carolina Board of Transportation and the State Ports Authority Board of Directors, announced his intention in a release issued today.
“I am deeply moved and grateful for the many, many phone calls and messages of encouragement for me to seek this solemn responsibility delegated by the voters to represent our region,” the release quotes Lee as saying. “I will campaign for this responsibility in the same way I would serve District 9, with tenacity, dedication and integrity.”
The release notes Goolsby, who defeated Lee in the 2010 GOP primary, endorses Lee for the seat.
“Michael became one of my strongest supporters and I appreciate the friendship we have developed since then,” Goolsby said in the release. “I am proud to now officially endorse Michael for the North Carolina Senate and will campaign vigorously for him. Michael and Heidi are wonderful people and loving parents of four wonderful children.”
In an interview with Port City Daily last year, Lee said he did not plan to run for public office again after three failed bids–two for the Senate (he lost to Julia Boseman in 2008) and one for a seat on the New Hanover County Board of Education.
Wednesday’s release states Lee has been encouraged by other local and state legislators to seek the seat, in addition to Goolsby. Former state representative Danny McComas, who serves with Lee on the ports authority board as its chairman, has publicly endorsed Lee, as has current Rep. Ted Davis.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Sens. Bill Rabon of Southport and Harry Brown of Jacksonville are also named as supporting Lee.
Earlier this week, Elizabeth Redenbaugh, a Democrat, announced her intention to run. Lee is the first Republican to announce his intention to enter the race, the release states.
