North Carolina Rep. Joe John, a Wake County Democrat, announced his resignation from the state legislature, writing that he has exhausted all treatment options for cancer.
John, 85, was first elected in 2016 and was re-elected to a fifth term in November. He represents a northwest Wake County district.
Other WRAL Top Stories
John, a lawyer, was a state superior court judge, a state district court judge, a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals and director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation crime lab before being elected to the legislature.
"This decision, though incredibly difficult, is made with the intention of focusing on my health and spending cherished time with my family during this challenging period," John wrote in a letter dated Sunday.
In a message on Facebook, John and his family requested no phone calls, but said they would welcome texts, emails and messages.
"Our thoughts are with Rep. Joe John and his family as he steps back from public office," House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said in a statement. "Rep. John has been a lifelong public servant, serving as a judge for decades, as Director of the SBI and most recently as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Our Caucus and our State are lucky to have him.”
Wake County Democrats will choose John's replacement.
"The values I hold dear — integrity, hard work, family and a deep commitment to our community — will remain with me as I navigate this next phase of my life," John wrote.
Gov. Josh Stein applauded John for his public service.
"While his impact on the lives of North Carolinians will be lasting, his leadership will be sorely missed. Anna and I send him and his family our love and prayers," Stein said in a statement on social media.