House education leader to retire in 2020

Rep. Linda Johnson, R-Cabarrus, has been a member of the House for 19 years. Under both Democratic and Republican majorities, she earned a reputation as a pragmatic, hardworking expert in education policy, less ideological and more open to compromise than some of her peers.

In 2019, Johnson was a senior appropriations chair, making her one of the most powerful members of the Republican caucus. She is also co-chair of the joint education oversight committee.

“Looking back at my time in the legislature, I am most proud of being a leader in our state’s efforts to partner with David Murdock to establish and grow the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. It has transformed the City of Kannapolis and our local economy while becoming a world-renowned leader in improving human health and nutrition through research," Johnson said in a press release. "It is a great example of what can be accomplished if we all put our egos aside and work together for what is best for our constituents and our state."

Johnson is the second House education leader to announce retirement in 2020. Rep. Craig Horn, R-Union, has already announced a run for state superintendent of public instruction.

In her release, Johnson expressed her "enthusiastic support and endorsement" of Parish Moffitt, a member of her staff running for her now-open seat.