Republican Rep. Jason Saine, a top budget writer and influential lawmaker, will resign from the North Carolina House on Monday, he told WRAL.
Saine, 50, has been in the House since 2011 and won re-election six times from Lincoln County. He was running for re-election in 2024. His resignation will become official Aug. 12.
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The House and Senate, both controlled by Republican super majorities, were unable to pass a budget update during the 2024 session despite agreement on major initiatives. Chamber leaders cited differences over overall spending levels.
"It's pretty darn frustrating," Saine told WRAL last week. "You spend six months of your life trying to get to a final result and the final result is no budget. That's no fun."
Saine led the multi-year effort to legalize online sports betting in the state. Legalized sports betting launched in March. He's also been a big supporter of other sports tourism efforts, including e-sports, and UNC Charlotte, his alma mater.
Early in his career, Saine led the fight against "puppy mills," earning an award from the Humane Society of the United States for his efforts. He made a point to fund new fire stations throughout his district.
He has been considering opportunities outside the legislature.
"Rep. Saine has been a pivotal figure in passing significant state policies that have helped shape the future of North Carolina," House Speaker Tim Moore said in a statement. "Rep. Saine has made an indelible mark on our state."
Saine's resignation comes at a time of change among House leadership. Moore, R-Cleveland, is expected to easily win a seat in Congress. Rules chairman Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, is expected to be the next House Speaker.
Saine could have been a candidate to replace Hall as rules chairman, a powerful spot since all bills that come before the House first pass through the committee.
"I don't want to be Speaker and I don't want to be rules chairman," Saine said.
Saine is at least the third lawmaker to resign from the legislature this summer, joining Republican Sen. Jim Perry. and Republican Rep. Jon Hardister.