Rep. Deborah Ross stepping down

Ross will join the agency June 17, according to a Wednesday release from Triangle Transit.

“Deborah’s experience in public finance will be vital as we move forward,” general manager David King said in a statement. “She has a strong working relationship with our local elected leaders and will be a vital part of the team.”

Soon after the announcement Wednesday, former Rep. Grier Martin said he will run for the seat Ross is vacating. Martin served four terms in the House before deciding in February 2012 not to seek a fifth term because redistricting put him and Ross into the same House district.

"I will seek to serve the people of the 34th District again, and I’m honored to have the support of Rep. Ross," Martin said in a statement. "I look forward to speaking with members of the Wake County Democratic Party Executive Committee and all interested constituents about how we can continue to make our community the best place to live and work in America."

Ross, who is serving her sixth term in office, has practiced law since 1990. She works with Styers, Kemerait & Mitchell in Raleigh and is a senior lecturing fellow at Duke University Law School. She graduated from Brown University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School.

“I am pleased to be joining Triangle Transit,” she said in statement. “I am excited by this new opportunity, and I look forward to working to ensure the best transit options are available for all residents of our region, while contributing to economic development and positive growth."

Carol Teal, executive director of Lillian's List of North Carolina, a member-funded network that recruits and supports female Democratic candidates for office, lamented Ross' departure.

"Lillian’s List enthusiastically supported Deborah when she first ran for the House of Representatives in 2002," Teal said in a statement. "We have all proudly watched her service in the General Assembly over this past decade. Her keen intellect and brilliant debate have advanced the causes we all care about."

Teal also posted a statement from Ross, who thanked her supporters and said she will continue to serve until her replacement takes office.

"At this point in my career, I believe I will be more effective serving the public outside of the legislative arena," Ross said. "In my new position...I will focus my energies on making our growing community a better place to live, work and play, by ensuring and enhancing transportation options for all of our residents. I see this as an excellent way to continue my public service."