Asheville, NC – Former Representative Brian Turner is announcing a run for the newly redrawn NC House District 116. Turner previously represented HD 116 for four terms after first being elected in 2014.
“No matter who wins across North Carolina in 2024, we will have new folks in most of the leadership positions in state government,” Turner said. “I was grateful for the pause but I want to be sure the people of Asheville and Buncombe County have an experienced leader they can rely on during this time of change.”
Turner was considered one of the most effective legislators in WNC working in a bipartisan way to pass legislation that will impact the region for generations to come. He worked to secure the new Pisgah View State Park, brought manufacturing jobs to the area, raised the minimum age of marriage in NC from 14 to 16, and fought to give survivors of child sexual assault their day in court against their abusers. He also stood with the LGBTQ+ communities in voting against HB2, the infamous bathroom bill, and the flawed compromise bill HB 142.
During his tenure, Turner was honored three times by the NC League of Conservation Voters for his work on environmental issues, received the Jobs Champion recognition from the NC Chamber of Commerce, and was endorsed by Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, Equality NC, IAFF Local 865 (Asheville Fire Fighters), WNC Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), NCAE, and BCAE. Since his first campaign, Turner has not accepted a single PAC check and has returned tens of thousands of dollars in special interest and corporate PAC money.
“We are thrilled at the possibility of Rep. Turner rejoining our NC House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Turner’s responsive, focused, and measured leadership will strengthen our state in the next session.” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said.
“The people of House District 116 have always been my number one priority and I look forward to once again being a strong voice in Raleigh for our community,” Turner said.
