State Senator Kevin Corbin announced today that he will not run for the Congressional seat currently held by Chuck Edwards. In a statement this evening, Corbin recommitted to his reelection for his seat in the 50th Senate District.
Earlier today Edwards suspended his campaign for reelection of his 11th District Congressional seat. He recently was rebuked by the House ethics committee for inappropriate communications with female staffers though not found guilt of any violations.
Some believe Corbin would have taken an immediate lead in the race based on his breadth of experience, solid Conservative accomplishments while serving in both the state house and senate, and the respect he has earned on both sides of the aisle. And, his current seat, which has been safely held, covers much of the District 11 Western North Carolina counties.
Here is his full statement:
“I am incredibly grateful to the friends and colleagues who have put my name forward for consideration to represent Western North Carolina in Congress. It is especially humbling to know that people I respect have such confidence in my ability to serve our region.
After discussing this tremendous opportunity with my wife, Beth, and our family, and spending considerable time in prayer, I believe my work in the North Carolina Senate is not yet finished.
Our state is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, and Western North Carolina continues to face an enormous recovery effort following Hurricane Helene. I have made commitments, including serving as co-chair of the Governor’s task force on Helene recovery, that I have a duty to fulfill. In addition I was recently named Chair of Education Appropriations and Education Policy Committees and believe that these responsibilities are too important to leave unfinished, and for that reason, I do not believe the timing is right for me to seek federal office.
My current obligation is to the people of North Carolina’s 50th Senate District who placed their trust in me to be their voice in Raleigh. I owe it to them, and to all North Carolinians, to complete the term they elected me to serve and continue my run for re-election to the Senate that they supported during the primary.
I remain wholly committed to Western North Carolina and will continue working every day to ensure our communities recover, rebuild, and have a strong voice in state government and look forward to working with whoever is selected to run in NC District 11.
I am sincerely honored to have been considered and grateful to everyone who offered their confidence, encouragement and support.”
KEVIN CORBIN – NC SENATE
