NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Following the exit of Republican Senator Paul Newton (District 34), a New Hanover County senator will become the right-hand man to the Senate President Pro Tem in the General Assembly.
Michael Lee (R-District 7) has been voted in by the Senate Republican Caucus to take up the position as Newton exits to become general counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill.
“It is an honor to have the support and trust of my colleagues. Our caucus is filled with incredible individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the General Assembly,” Lee wrote in an emailed release.
The majority leader of the Senate is the third highest rank in the General Assembly, just behind the Senate President and Deputy President Pro Tempore, held by Phil Berger (R-District 26) and Ralph Hise (R-District 47) respectively.
Lee — first elected to the Senate in 2014 and re-elected in 2016, 2020, 2022 and 2024 — will preside over GOP caucus meetings as members delve into discussions on votes and policies. He co-chairs the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget and Education/Higher Education committees.
This legislative session Lee has sponsored a few bills, including Senate Bill 227, “Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education,” also sponsored by Berger. It would prohibit the use of DEI initiatives in public schools.
“Michael works day in and day out to do the best for his constituents. He is someone every senator — Republican or Democrat — can turn to for advice and mentorship,” Berger wrote in a statement.
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