Majority Leader Newton Announces Retirement

Today, Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) announced his retirement from the North Carolina Senate, effective at 7 p.m. on March 26.

Sen. Newton was elected to represent Cabarrus County in the Senate in 2016 and was first elected by his Republican colleagues to be majority leader during the 2023–24 biennium.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cabarrus County for nearly a decade,” Sen. Newton said. “During that time, I’ve been able to play a small role in so many consequential pieces of legislation that have made an incredible impact on the lives of North Carolinians — from significantly reducing the tax burden for all families and supporting businesses of all sizes, to expanding educational opportunities. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for the relationships that we’ve built over the years. I’m especially grateful to the Republican Caucus for electing me to majority leader. Your trust has meant the world to me.”

Sen. Newton is retiring to pursue an opportunity outside of state government.

“Paul has been a valued voice and leader in the Republican Caucus and the Senate for years,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said. “He’s provided a calm presence and wise counsel to many legislators during his time in Raleigh. He was always willing to tackle the tough subjects and never wavered from his convictions. I’m thankful that he stepped up last biennium to help lead our caucus, and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish outside of the General Assembly.”