A top NC Republican’s exit could open door for Freedom Caucus founder’s return
A former Republican lawmaker known for inflammatory comments and a failed effort to repeal the state’s ban on secession could make a return to the General Assembly in the 2024 elections.
Michael Speciale, who served in the state House from 2013 to 2021 and founded the far-right NC Freedom Caucus, is running in Senate District 3, which covers Beaufort, Craven and Lenoir counties.
Influential Republican to leave Senate
Republican Sen. Jim Perry, the incumbent in that district and current majority whip, did not file for reelection.
“Our life situations can change in an instant,” Perry said in a statement on Friday. “I finally reached the conclusion that I would not be able to make the time commitment necessary to be an effective senator if I served an additional term.”
He went on to say that he had been injured in a hunting accident, but that he is healthy and the injury was not the reason for his decision.
Senate leader Phil Berger praised Perry in a statement, saying “Jim has been a valuable member of our caucus since his first day in the Senate. His tireless work ethic and willingness to dig into the detail have made a lasting impact on health care and finance policy in the state.”
Potential replacement has a history of offensive statements
Perry’s decision leaves a race for the Republican nomination between Speciale and Bob Brinson, a New Bern attorney.
During his time in the state House, Speciale drew widespread criticism for his insensitive remarks.
In 2013, while debating an bill targeting puppy mills, Speciale took issue with portions of the bill requiring breeders to exercise their dogs and provide humane euthanasia.
“Exercise on a daily basis – if I kick him across the floor, is that daily exercise?” he said. “‘Euthanasia performed humanely’ – so I should choose the ax or the baseball bat?”
Speciale also posted a photo on Facebook in 2015 which referred to former President Barack Obama as an “Islamic son of a bitch.”
He led two controversial legislative attempts in 2017, one of which would have amended the state constitution to remove the section that prohibits secession. He also sponsored a bill seeking to ban same-sex marriage in defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
North Carolina’s primary election will be held on March 5.
