Citing redistricting, Republican Sen. Cook won't run again

Cook, 72, said in a release that he wants to spend more time with grandchildren and the recent redistricting made him "reevaluate my commitment to my family."

"As much as I love the folks of eastern North Carolina, I love my family more," Cook said.

Cook was one of three Senate Republicans to vote against the chamber's redistricting plan Monday. He lamented during the floor debate about Beaufort County, which borders Pamlico Sound, being decoupled from the Outer Banks and joining a region with fewer common interests.

"This conservative-leaning county will be drowned in a sea of liberalism," Cook said, adding it will cause Beaufort County "to wander in a political desert for years."

Republican mapmakers said they had little wiggle room in how they created the new 3rd District because of legal precedents in state court designed to minimize the number of districts that cross county lines.

New House and Senate plans are expected to receive final legislative approval later this week. A panel of federal judges will then review the maps in light of their ruling last year striking down 19 House and nine Senate districts where they said the race of voters was relied upon too heavily to draw district lines. It's possible the maps could be redrawn again, although the groupings of the counties aren't likely to be altered.

Cook was initially elected to the House in 2010 and won his current Senate seat in 2012 by defeating Democratic Sen. Stan White by a mere 21 votes.

In his retirement release, Cook highlighted Republican legislation he's supported on tax reductions and teacher pay, as well as his efforts to promote aquaculture and to help fishermen. Cook "has advanced important priorities for the people of his district," Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said in Cook's release.