A leading budget writer and Republican figure in the North Carolina House, Rep. Jason Saine, has revealed his decision to resign from his legislative post next month, marking another departure in the GOP leadership team alongside the imminent exit of Speaker Tim Moore. Saine, representing the 97th House District from Lincoln County, declared that he will vacate his seat on August 12, intending to submit his formal resignation notice on Monday. Since his arrival in the House in 2011, Saine has ascended within the party hierarchy, assuming roles such as chairman of the House Finance Committee in 2015 and later becoming a senior co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, heavily involved in budget talks with the Senate and Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.
Moreover, Saine has notably championed state-regulated sports gambling legislation in recent times, which came into effect in March following a 2023 law enactment. His record includes receiving multiple awards for legislative endeavors, such as recognition for his work on regulations for commercial dog breeders and serving as the 2018 national chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, known for providing model legislation to conservative legislators.
The 50-year-old legislator stated that he is departing from public service to pursue fresh professional prospects that will enable him to continue advocating for causes close to his heart. Saine, whose professional background encompasses public relations and marketing, conveyed a potential interest in a marketing role at a mental health company, expressing a desire to allocate more time to his family, including his teenage son.
Saine’s resignation aligns with Speaker Moore’s bid for a congressional seat this autumn, foreclosing his return to Raleigh. Although Saine was viewed as a potential successor for the speakership, he and Majority Leader John Bell endorsed Rules Chairman Destin Hall for the position in 2025. Saine’s reelection for the 97th District, encompassing all of Lincoln County and predominantly Republican voters, was unopposed for the November election. Consequently, Lincoln County Republicans will need to appoint an individual to complete the remainder of Saine’s term until December and select a replacement as the GOP candidate for the district this fall.
The timing of Saine’s departure coincides with GOP Sen. Jim Perry of Lenoir County announcing his resignation two weeks earlier, adding to the roster of legislators stepping down. Perry was also a vocal proponent of sports gambling legislation.