RALEIGH — A longtime Scotland County lawmaker has been appointed as a Democrat leader in the General Assembly.

State Rep. Garland Pierce has been named House Democratic Whip for the 2017-2018 legislative session, officials announced on Thursday.

“This role will give me a better platform with the governor — it will give me a better stance on issues that impact the district I serve,” Pierce said. “If you aren’t at the table, then you are on the menu…It is good to have a voice.”

The House Democratic Whip’s job is to communicate and coordinate with his fellow legislators to line up votes on important issues.

“With his experience and respect among his colleagues, Rep. Pierce was a great choice to serve in this leadership role,” said House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson. “His leadership puts him in a strong position to work both on behalf of his district and our entire caucus.”

Pierce, who lives in Wagram, is in his seventh term representing District 48 that includes parts of Scotland, Hoke, Robeson and Richmond counties.

“I am excited about being named the Democratic Whip and being given the opportunity to take on a leadership role,” Pierce said. “I have been in the general assembly going on 13 years and new legislators can look to me for advice and for leadership on bills.”

Pierce’s Whip duties will be in addition to his normal legislative service. Recently, the House Speaker named him vice chair of the Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs committee. He also serves on the key committees of Appropriations, Commerce and Job Development, Banking, Insurance, and Homelessness, Foster Care, and Dependency.

House Deputy Democratic Leader Robert Reives II called Pierce “a strong voice” for rural North Carolina.

“His leadership in our caucus is particularly important as we work with Gov. Roy Cooper on issues like disaster relief, public education, and affordable housing,” Reives said.

The other two Democratic whips are Verla Insko, whose District 56 includes part of Orange County, and Bobbie Richardson, whose District 7 includes parts of Franklin and Nash counties.

Pierce said the three were elected a few weeks back, but that information was made public only this week.

Pierce served in the U.S. Army and later earned a degree from Fayetteville State University and a master’s in divinity from Shaw Divinity School. He serves as pastor of Bright Hopewell Baptist Church in Laurinburg.

He also served two terms as chairman of the N.C. Black Legislative Caucus, from 2013 to 2016. That position is now held by state Sen. Angela Bryant of Nash County.

Donnie Douglas and William R. Toler contributed to this story. Reach Nolan Gilmour at 910-506-3171.

Daily Journal file photo State Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, was recently named House Democratic whip for the N.C. General Assembly.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_RAL_pierce.jpgDaily Journal file photo State Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, was recently named House Democratic whip for the N.C. General Assembly.

Nolan Gilmour

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