Western NC senator tests positive for coronavirus

Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, was last in the Legislative Building on Thursday, according to Pat Ryan, spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger. He skipped Monday night's brief Senate session, as well as a closed-door caucus Senate Republicans held Monday.

Ryan said Hise has reached out to those with whom he had close contact.

Hise is a key Senate negotiator on a range of important issues, including health, voting regulations and the budget. He's also the deputy president pro tempore, making him one of the top members of Senate Republican leadership.