RALEIGH — Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) has been selected as majority leader of the state Senate, replacing former Sen. Paul Newton, who resigned to take a position as vice chancellor and general counsel at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill last month.
“It is an honor to have the support and trust of my colleagues,” Lee said in a press release. “Our caucus is filled with incredible individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the General Assembly. I look forward to working with every caucus member to help accomplish their priorities and build on the last 14 years of successful policy achievements.”
Lee was first appointed to the Senate in 2014 and is currently in his fifth term. Lee reclaimed the New Hanover seat in 2020 after losing the spot to Democrat Harper Peterson in 2018.
“Michael works day in and day out to do the best for his constituents,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said. “He is someone every senator — Republican or Democrat — can turn to for advice and mentorship. I am thankful for his willingness to step forward to help lead our caucus.”
Lee is a co-chair of the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget and Education/Higher Education committees. The New Hanover senator has been a strong supporter of school choice options for K-12 students in the state.
Additionally, Lee sits on the Commerce and Insurance, Health Care, Judiciary, and Rules and Operations committees.
