Josh Dobson (born July 19, 1981) is an American politician, most recently serving as North Carolina Commissioner of Labor. He previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Josh Dobson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 18th Labor Commissioner of North Carolina | |
| In office January 2, 2021 – November 6, 2024 | |
| Governor | Roy Cooper |
| Preceded by | Cherie Berry |
| Succeeded by | Kevin O'Barr (acting) |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 85th district | |
| In office January 29, 2013 – January 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Mitch Gillespie |
| Succeeded by | Dudley Greene |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1981 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | McDowell Technical Community College Gardner-Webb University (BA) Appalachian State University (MPA) |
Early life and education
editDobson was born on July 19, 1981, in North Carolina. He grew up in Avery County, and graduated from Avery High School. He then went to McDowell Technical Community College, where he completed an associate’s degree; Gardner-Webb University, where he got a bachelor’s degree; and Appalachian State University, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration.[1] He was appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives on January 29, 2013, after Mitch Gillespie resigned.[2] Before becoming a State Representative, Dobson was a county commissioner for McDowell County.[1]
Legislative tenure
edit2014 election
editDobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated JR Edwards in the general election.[3]
| 2014 North Carolina House of Representatives election | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| Republican | Josh Dobson | 15,467 | 74.9 |
| Democratic | JR Edwards | 5,188 | 25.1 |
2016 election
editDobson was unopposed in both the Republican primary and the general election.[3]
2018 election
editDobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated Howard Larsen in the general election.[3][4]
| 2018 North Carolina House of Representatives election | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| Republican | Josh Dobson | 20,408 | 74.9 |
| Democratic | Howard Larson | 6,822 | 25.1 |
Commissioner of Labor
edit2020 election
editIn May 2019, Dobson decided to run for North Carolina Commissioner of Labor.[5] He defeated Democrat Jessica Holmes in the November 2020 general election.[3][6] He assumed office on January 2, 2021.[7]
Tenure
editOn December 6, 2022, Dobson announced that he would not seek reelection or election to any other public office in 2024.[8] He resigned on November 6, 2024, the day after 2024 elections, saying, "After 21 years of public service, I look forward to pursuing new opportunities in the private sector."[9]
References
edit- ^ a b "Rep. Josh Dobson". Retrieved July 19, 2020.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - NC State House 085 - Appointment Race - Jan 29, 2013".
- ^ a b c d "Josh Dobson". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
- ^ State Board of Elections
- ^ "Dobson plans run for Labor commissioner". May 6, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
- ^ North State Journal
- ^ "Historical Note About the Labor Building". North Carolina Department of Labor. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Fain, Travis (December 6, 2022). "In a surprise, NC labor commissioner won't run for re-election". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson resigns". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.