RALEIGH — Rep. Joe John (D-Wake) has tendered his resignation from the North Carolina General Assembly after receiving a terminal throat cancer diagnosis.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I announce my resignation from my position as your Representative of North Carolina State House District 40,” wrote John in an official letter. “After a courageous and arduous battle with cancer, I have been informed by my doctors that all treatment options have been exhausted, and I now face a terminal diagnosis.”
John issued a formal statement announcing his resignation on Jan. 19.
“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. “Throughout this journey, I’ve given everything I have, and I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done together as a community. I was first elected as your State Representative in 2016, and I have been honored to serve four terms, winning five consecutive elections. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
The Wake lawmaker wrote that his deepest wish is “that the work we’ve done together will live on, inspiring future leaders to carry the torch of compassion, reasonableness, and progress.”
“If my time in office has made even a small difference in your lives, then I will leave this world knowing I’ve done my part,” wrote John. He also thanked his family for their support and reiterated his gratitude for being able to serve his community.
John first announced his cancer diagnosis in a Dec. 11, 2024, letter to his constituents explaining his excused absence from votes taking place that day.
The North Carolina Democratic Party will nominate his replacement. John was in his fifth term in the seat at the time of his resignation. He had been reelected in 2024 by over 62% of the ballots cast in that race.
