Republican Representative Sarah Stevens announced Tuesday that she will be leaving her position in the North Carolina House of Representatives after nine consecutive terms.
Stevens said he will focus his energy on the campaign for the Supreme Court, where she will face current Democratic judge Anita Earls.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to devote all of my time and energy to my campaign for the North Carolina Supreme Court,” Stevens wrote in the letter delivered to Principal Clerk of the House of Representatives James White.
“I believe this next step will allow me to continue serving the people of North Carolina and upholding the rule of law in a new capacity,” he added.
His role in the General Assembly
Stevens has been a state representative since 2009, for the district 90, which includes Surry and Wilkes counties.
In his letter, Stevens highlighted his work on judicial reform, infrastructure improvements, educational initiatives, and reform of the foster care system as the most important achievements of his legislative career.
During a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee 2, Republican Representative Karl Gillespie thanked Stevens for “all he has done and all he continues to do for the great state of North Carolina.”
Stevens chairs both the House Judiciary Committee 2 and the House Election Law Committee.
She was also the Pro Tempore Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025.
I'm excited to announce my candidacy for North Carolina Supreme Court.
I will be a conservative voice for justice and families on the Supreme Court. My experience as a family law attorney and a state legislator has prepared me to be a voice for those who cannot advocate for… pic.twitter.com/oqF5RKjUlk
— Rep. Sarah Stevens (@RepSarahStevens) April 30, 2025
Supreme Court dispute
Stevens faces incumbent Justice Earls in this fall's general election.
The seat, with an eight-year term, is the only one in the State Supreme Court in dispute in this year's elections.
Currently, Republicans control the court with a 5-2 majority.
If Stevens wins, Earls' loss would further solidify the court's conservative dominance.
Meanwhile, if Earls retains his seat, Democrats would be in a position to potentially regain control of the court in 2028, when three additional seats will be up for grabs.
You may be interested: Democratic lawmakers introduce three constitutional amendments to strengthen judicial ethics in North Carolina
Whats Next
The resignation takes effect on June 16 at noon.
The officials of Republican Party They will now have to select a replacement to complete the remainder of his term.
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