Politics

Moffitt announces campaign for open state House seat

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 26, 2019

Republican Tim Moffitt, a former two-term state representative, announced Monday that he would run for the North Carolina House District 117 that will become open with the retirement of Rep. Chuck McGrady. District 117 covers the northern half of Henderson County, including Hendersonville, Laurel Park, Mills River and Fletcher.

Moffitt previously served two terms in the state House representing the western part of Buncombe County. During his final term in office, Moffitt was ranked as the General Assembly's most effective legislator, according to one survey. Forty-five of Moffitt’s bills became law during the 2013-2014 biennium, all with bipartisan support.

“I’d like to apply my working knowledge of the legislative process to represent the people of Henderson County, particularly in the areas of economic development and criminal justice reform,” Moffitt said in a news release. “And of course, I’ll do my best to add to Chuck’s considerable body of work on modernizing North Carolina’s Prohibition-era ABC system.”

During his earlier legislative tenure, Moffitt focused on improving government efficiency, strengthening private property rights, and growing the economy. He was a chief architect of North Carolina’s Tax Reform efforts, which has since spurred the state’s economy and produced record budget surpluses. And as the chairman of the House Regulatory Reform Committee, Moffitt’s work helped to remove thousands of burdensome business regulations.

That prior service in the state house will count towards his seniority, so should Moffitt win the seat, Henderson County and Western North Carolina would continue to have a seat at the table when it comes to the big decisions; his experience with the machinery of government and the players involved puts him in a unique position. “I know that I can really hit the ground running,” Moffitt said.

Moffitt praised McGrady's service and leadership.

“Each of Chuck's colleagues in the legislature will miss his friendship, leadership, and counsel,” he said. “I’ve admired how Chuck worked across the aisle to forge relationships which have benefited not only the people of Henderson County, but also the entire state. Chuck is a model public servant. I’ll do my best to honor that legacy.”

A 1982 graduate of West Henderson High School, Moffitt was raised in Henderson County. He moved back several years ago. Two of his three sons also attended and graduated from West Henderson High.