Democratic state Rep. Bruce Goforth, whose district includes most of Asheville, will step down from his post on July 30. He tells Xpress that the move comes so he can focus on the construction business and his family.
“I’m in the building business, and you know how the economy is there,” Goforth tells Xpress. “I just wanted to spend more time with my business and my family. I just feel it’s time to step down and move on with my life.”
He added that he would be focusing on his personal life instead of campaigning for the party this election season.
Goforth, who, over four terms in the General Assembly rose to become a majority whip and vice chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, suffered a primary defeat to former teacher and Buncombe County Commissioner Patsy Keever in May.
“I’ve got very mixed emotions,” Goforth says of leaving his seat. “I’ve made so many very good friends here and those will be hard to leave, but the three and a half hour drive there and back every week is something I can do without. I’m honored that people in Western North Carolina elected me for four terms and it’s been an honor to serve.”
Goforth said he was proud of his accomplishments in office.
“I’ll always remember being chosen majority whip by my peers, rising each year in terms of effectiveness. I got 20 bills passed last year. Getting the veteran’s rest home here — 100 beds and 150 jobs — that will be huge for this area.”
— David Forbes, senior reporter
