FIRST ON 3: Thompson won’t run for NC House, does not rule out other office

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the filing deadline looming Monday afternoon, a familiar face in local politics says he will not for state office.

Jason Thompson said in early November he was considering a run for the 20th District NC House seat Rep. Rick Catlin is leaving after this term. But today, Thompson told WWAY he has decided not to run for the General Assembly.

“Despite overwhelming support and request to run, I just didn’t feel like it was the best time for me right now,” Thompson told WWAY by phone late this afternoon citing work and family commitments.

Thompson, who served eight years on Wilmington City Council and four on New Hanover County Commission, did not rule out a run for another office.

“I might want to stay a little more local and not go to Raleigh at this time,” Thompson said.

Candidate filing for next year’s elections in North Carolina ends Monday at noon.

Catlin announced earlier this year he would not seek a third term to the House citing commitments to his Wilmington engineering firm. So far Republicans Tammy Covil and Holly Grange have filed to run for the seat. The two Republicans have already had some public battles well ahead of their primary match-up March 15. No Democrats have filed for the seat yet.