Democrat Holperin Won’t Seek Re-Election

Democratic state Sen. Jim Holperin, of Conover, says he will not seek re-election in November, further shaking up the question over which party will control the state Senate for the next two years.

Holperin announced Friday that after winning a recall election last summer, he will not seek a second term in November.

Democrats and Republicans currently each have 16 seats in the Senate, leaving it under split control. That came about after Republican Sen. Pam Galloway abruptly retired on Saturday.

She and three other Republicans are being targeted for recalls. Those elections will occur in either May or June, depending on whether a primary is needed. Then in November 16 seats will be up for election.

Holperin said he’s been thinking about leaving for a long time.