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NC General Assembly convenes to begin 2025 long session

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The House chamber of the General Assembly, Jan. 8, 2025. Ben Humphries/EdNC

The North Carolina General Assembly convened Wednesday for the first time in 2025, marking the beginning of the long legislative session, which takes place during the first year of the biennium.

Members are tasked with passing legislation including a new two-year budget for the state during this session.

After a prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and the national anthem, representatives- and senators-elect took the oath of office in their respective chambers.

Families and friends of members were on the House and Senate floors and packed into the galleries to watch as Secretary of State Elaine Marshall certified last year’s elections and they were sworn in.

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In the House chamber, leadership positions were put to voice votes. Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, was elected as the new House speaker in the presence of former speakers U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, and Harold Brubaker.

After being sworn in, he gave a speech in which he advocated for the continued expansion of school choice, for increasing parents’ involvement in education, and for every school in North Carolina to have a resource officer.

Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, is sworn in as Speaker of the House.

Hall also addressed ongoing relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina last fall.

“The number one priority of this body, starting today — because today is day one — is doing all we can to rebuild western North Carolina,” he said.

The House also adopted temporary rules and elected Rep. Mitchell Setzer, R-Catawba, as House Speaker Pro Tempore and James White as House Principal Clerk.

In the Senate chamber, Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, was re-elected President Pro Tempore. Berger said he hoped to partner with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein on hurricane relief.

Perspective | Senator Berger’s 2025 opening day remarks: ‘Without a doubt, education continues to be the key that unlocks the door to a brighter future’

Former Lieutenant Governor and Governor Jim Hunt and former First Lady Carolyn Hunt were present to see their daughter, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, preside over the State Senate over 50 years after her father stepped into the same role.

“We live in the best state in the nation,” said Governor Hunt, “and I know Rachel will keep up the work to champion public education, good-paying jobs, and hardworking families.”

Perspective | Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt presents vision for North Carolina on opening day of legislature

The Senate then adopted rules for the 2025-26 biennium. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, was sworn in as Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Sarah Holland was sworn in as Principal Clerk.

Both chambers adjourned and will return on Jan. 29.