Albertson not seeking another Senate term

Sen. Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin, announced Friday that he will not seek re-election in November.

Albertson, 78, has served in the General Assembly for more than 20 years. He is co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"After all these years, I believe it’s time for me to step back and find other ways to become involved in helping my community," he said in a statement.

His list of major accomplishments includes a constitutional amendment allowing criminals to pay restitution so victims are compensated for their losses, a law that made North Carolina the first state in the Southeast to require utility companies to get a portion of their power from renewable energy sources, the creation of the state’s first Climate Change Commission and a law requiring state agencies to give callers the option of speaking directly to a person instead of navigating through automated voice-mail systems.

Albertson is the sixth Democratic senator to resign in recent months or choose not to seek re-election. Others include Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, who resigned to become chairman of the state parole commission; Sen. R.C. Soles, the longest-serving member of the General Assembly; Sen. David Hoyle, co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a top tax writer; Sen. David Weinstein, who resigned to take charge of the Governor's Highway Safety Program; and Sen. Julia Boseman.