Scott Stone officially launched his campaign for lieutenant governor Tuesday, joining former U.S. Congresswoman Renee Ellmers in the race.
Stone had served in the state house representing District 105 for a little more than two years, before losing to Democrat Wesley Harris last November. Stone – who lives in Ballantyne — was one of five Republican legislative incumbents to lose in Mecklenburg County.
"I’m not done serving," Stone said. "I want to continue to serve my community and my state in some way. And we looked at what’s best for us — do we want to go back to the house or run for something else? And lieutenant governor seemed like the right fit for me."
In addition to Stone and Ellmers, New Bern restauranteur Buddy Bengal is also expected to run in the Republican primary.
The Democratic field for lieutenant governor is considerably larger.
State House Rep. Chaz Beasley, who represents part of Mecklenburg County; former state Sen. Cal Cunningham of Davidson County; and state Sen. Terry Van Duyn of Asheville have already announced they are running.
They are joined by former Belmont City Councilman Bill Toole, Hoke County Commissioner Allen Thomas, and state Rep. Yvonne Lewis Holley of Wake County.
