New Hanover GOP picks Lee to fill Goolsby’s Senate seat

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Election Day is still more than two months away, but Michael Lee should soon be New Hanover County’s new state senator.

The New Hanover County Republican Party Executive Committee tonight nominated Lee to finish out Sen. Thom Goolsby’s second term in Raleigh. Goolsby, who announced his resignation last week, announced earlier this year he would not seek a third term.

Lee, a Wilmington attorney, is currently the Republican nominee for Goolsby’s 9th District seat. Goolsby said last week he wanted to give Lee “a running start” at the job.

“All too often people think about what’s in the best interest of the next election and what I’m thinking about is what’s in the best interest of New Hanover County,” Lee said.

He will face some new restrictions though, including not being able to accept money from political action committees. Lee faces Democrat Elizabeth Redenbaugh in November. Redenbaugh is out fundraising Lee 2 to 1.

“Michael lee is Thom Goolsby’s hand picked candidate and I don’t think that they are going to buy that. I think they are going to look for a true leader that’s going to treat them with dignity value and respect,” said Redenbaugh.

Gov. Pat McCrory now has seven days to approve Lee’s nomination.

Earlier this year McCrory appointed Lee as chair of the NC Ports Authority Board of Directors. Lee is also a member of the NC Transportation Board. If the governor approves his nomination, Lee would have to resign his seats on the Transportation board. Lee says he will continue to serve as Chairman of the NC Ports Authority.