On Wednesday, the North Carolina General Assembly officially began its 2025-26 session with the swearing-in of all 170 state legislators, setting the stage for another two years of governance in a state known for its dynamic political landscape. The ceremonial oath-taking, led by North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby in the Senate chamber and Associate Justice Tamara Barringer in the House of Representatives, underscored the gravity of the responsibilities the legislators are about to undertake.
Elected officials stood before their families and supporters, pledging to uphold both the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution. It was a moment steeped in tradition, yet one filled with the anticipation of addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities facing North Carolinians.
Following the ceremony, the Assembly wasted no time in electing its leadership. Senator Phil Berger, who has held the position of President Pro Tempore since 2011, was reelected to continue leading the Senate. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping policies that he describes as transformative for the state’s economic landscape. In his remarks, Berger expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the session ahead:
“Today, without question, North Carolina is the best state in America in which to live, to work, to start a business, and to raise a family; a state of unparalleled opportunity. Nevertheless, there is still work to be done.”
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, was unanimously elected as Speaker. At 38, Hall is one of the youngest speakers in state history, a fact he acknowledged with a mix of humor and humility during his acceptance speech. He thanked his colleagues for their trust and commitment to public service, adding:
“I’m told I’m on the younger side of speakers in our state. But according to some of the liberal trolls on Twitter, the IQ average hasn’t changed, so you’re safe there.”
Hall’s election marks a generational shift in the House, with former Speakers Tim Moore, Thom Tillis, and Harold Brubaker in attendance to witness the transition. The presence of these seasoned leaders highlighted the continuity of governance and the weight of the office Hall now holds.
As the session begins, the General Assembly’s focus will quickly turn to drafting the state budget, a task that often dominates the first year of the biennium. While legislators aim to complete their work by the summer, the budget process frequently stretches into the fall. Hall acknowledged the challenges of the legislative schedule, promising to work towards reducing the time demands on members:
“We’re going to try to make sure that time of commitment is not as much as it has been in the past.”
The Republican-led Assembly enters this session buoyed by its track record of tax reforms and economic initiatives implemented over the past decade. Both Berger and Hall emphasized their commitment to continuing this momentum, with plans to further reduce taxes and expand economic opportunities across the state. These policies, they argue, have positioned North Carolina as a national leader in attracting businesses and fostering growth.
Still, the challenges ahead are significant. Issues like education funding, infrastructure development, healthcare reform, and workforce readiness are expected to dominate the legislative agenda. While Republicans hold a strong majority, bipartisan collaboration will be essential in addressing these complex issues effectively.
The swearing-in and leadership elections were steeped in optimism, but the real work begins when the chambers reconvene on January 29. The session promises to test the leadership and resolve of North Carolina’s elected officials as they navigate the competing demands of governance, political priorities, and the needs of their constituents.
As the Assembly moves forward, The Bull City Citizen will continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis, keeping our readers informed about the debates and decisions shaping our state’s future. Stay connected with us for trusted reporting on the policies and people driving change in North Carolina.
