RALEIGH — North Carolina statehouse Rep. William Brisson (R-Bladen) announced he will end his 20-year career as a legislator by retiring at the end of his term in December 2026.
“Serving the people of District 22 has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Brisson said in a press release. “This is where I grew up, where my family put down roots, and where neighbors still look out for one another. Every day in Raleigh, I tried to carry the voices and values of our small towns, farms, and communities with me.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly. After a lot of prayer, reflection, and long talks with my family, I know it’s the right time to step back and let a new generation of leaders serve. But I’ll never stop working to make life better for the people of this district — this will always be home.”
Brisson is in his 10th term as the District 22 representative for Sampson and Bladen counties. His focus while in the General Assembly has been on rural issues, including farming, broadband expansion and health care, as well as a dedication to bringing investment opportunities to his district.
“Thank you for allowing me to represent you — to stand up for our farmers, our small towns, and our families,” added Brisson. “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime, and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together.”
The 79-year-old is co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, as well as a vice chair for both the Agriculture and Environment Committee and the Appropriations, Justice, and Public Safety Committee.
The Bladen County Republican Party thanked Brisson for his service.
“We are extremely grateful to Rep. Brisson, and sincerely appreciate his unwavering service to Bladen County over the years as a County Commissioner and a State Representative, and wish him well as he serves out his current term before returning to private life,” the Bladen County Republican Party said in a statement.
“As a seasoned and experienced representative to the NC General Assembly, Mr. Brisson’s decision to step down from office in 2026 completes an outstanding career representing the legislative, farming, and business interests for the citizens of Bladen and Sampson counties,” Bladen County GOP Chairman Wayne Schaeffer said.
The Bladen lawmaker was first elected in 2006 as a Democrat but switched parties in 2017. When he made the switch, he said he had always been a “conservative Democrat” and didn’t “have a lot in common with the Democratic Party right now because they have become so liberal.”
Two Republicans have filed to run for Brisson’s seat in 2026: former two-term Sampson County Commissioner Jerol Kivet and political newcomer Wellie Jackson, a farmer in Sampson County.
