Branson to fill seat for House term

Paul B. Johnson, The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·1 min read

Apr. 10—GUILFORD COUNTY — Former Guilford County commissioner Alan Branson will fill out the unexpired term of resigned state representative Jon Hardister, a seat that Branson is seeking in the fall general election after winning last month's Republican primary in the 59th House District.

The executive committee of the Guilford County Republican Party voted by acclimation Monday night to appoint Branson to the unexpired term that lasts through the end of this year. Branson was the only candidate nominated at the meeting, Guilford County Republican Party Chairman Chris Meadows told The High Point Enterprise.

Hardister didn't seek reelection to the House seat he's held for the past 12 years as he made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican Party nomination for state labor commissioner in the March 5 primary elections. Hardister announced last week that he would resign from the 59th House district seat, citing his plans to spend time with his family and pursue work opportunities.

Branson, who's from Julian in eastern Guilford County, defeated fellow Republican Allen Chappell in the 59th House District primary. He will face Democrat Tanneshia Dukes of Pleasant Garden in the Nov. 5 general election. The district covers Jamestown, sections of east High Point and southern, eastern and northeastern Guilford County.

Branson spent eight years as a Guilford County commissioner, including serving as board chairman. He lost his district seat four years ago in a close race to Democrat Mary Beth Murphy in a contest that involved a recount. Two years ago, he lost by a wide margin in the at-large countywide race won by longtime Democratic Commissioner Kay Cashion.

Branson will be sworn in to the N.C. General Assembly on April 24, Meadows told The Enterprise.

pjohnson@hpenews.com — 336-888-3528 — @HPEpaul