RALEIGH, NC –Β Governor Josh Stein has ordered all U.S. and NC flags on state facilities to remain at half staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday in honor of state Representative Joe John.
John, a Wake County Democrat elected to a fifth term in November, revealed a throat cancer diagnosis in December.
The 85-year-old resigned from the North Carolina General Assembly on January 19th. His family announced his death on January 22nd.
John was first elected as a state representative in 2016 and served four consecutive terms.
His upcoming term would have been his fifth.
Before serving in the legislature, John spent a large portion of his life in the judicial field β as a state appeals judge, superior court judge and district judge.
He also served as the State of North Carolina Crime Laboratoryβs director.
Wake County Democrats will choose someone to fill Johnβs seat for his two-year term through the end of 2026.
