WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Columbus County will have a new voice in the North Carolina Senate next year.
Sen. Michael Walters (D-13th District) has decided he will not run for reelection. Walters, of Proctorville, was first appointed to the Senate in 2009 to represent Robeson and Hoke counties. Redistricting before the 2012 election means he currently represents Robeson and Columbus counties.
"I'm a small business owner, and I just feel I need to spend more time with my business and with my family," Walters, who is in the forest products business, told WWAY by phone today.
Walters said he has enjoyed his time in the legislature. He said he believes he did a lot of good and was able to help a lot of people.
Before redistricting, Columbus County was part of the eighth district represented in the Senate by Republican Bill Rabon and before that Democrat R.C. Soles.
