U.S. House Representative David Price to retire after over 30 years serving N.C.

Longtime U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C., announced he will not seek reelection in 2022 on Oct. 18 after over 30 years of representing the 4th Congressional District of North Carolina. 

Price served from 1987 to 1995 but was unsuccessful in his attempt to secure a fifth term in the 1994 election. However, he regained his seat in 1997 and has remained in Congress ever since. Numerous figures across the state are expected to announce their candidacy for the seat Price will vacate after 2022, including N.C. Sen. Wiley Nickel, D-Wake, who has already said he will be running to replace him. 

“I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection as representative for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District,” Price said in a statement. “I do so with a profound sense of gratitude to the voters of the 4th District; to the supporters who have backed me in eighteen successive campaigns; and to my staff in Washington and the district.” 

Price is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and currently serves as the chairperson of its subcommittee on transportation, housing and urban development. He was also the chairperson of its subcommittee on homeland security from 2007 to 2010.

He instituted and currently serves as the chairperson of the House Democracy Partnership, which works with countries across the globe to promote democracy. 

In 2002, Price initiated the “Stand By Your Ad” provision to the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. This provision requires political candidates to associate themselves with advertisements their campaigns produce in order to prevent controversial claims. 

Price also drafted the Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act of 1988, which requires creditors to disclose the full terms of home equity loans in order to protect consumers. 

“I take satisfaction in what we have been able to achieve for the 4th District and North Carolina – from the EPA lab and National Guard headquarters to intercity rail, improved housing and dozens of community projects,” Price said in a statement.

Before assuming his current role, Price received his undergraduate degree at UNC and earned a bachelor of divinity and doctorate in political science at Yale University. He and his wife Lisa settled in Chapel Hill in 1972 and have lived there since. 

He began his political career as a legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Bob Bartlett, D-A.K., from 1963 to 1967 and served as chairperson of the N.C. Democratic Party from 1983 to 1984. 

Leaders from across the state expressed their appreciation for Price’s many achievements during his long political career. 

“David Price is the epitome of what it means to be a public servant and our state is stronger thanks to his years of work,” N.C.Governor Roy Cooper said in a tweet. 

Politicians on the other side of the aisle expressed their respect for Price and his willingness to work with leaders of all political stripes in order to serve the state. 

“David Price is a good man and public servant, representing his constituents with dedication for more than 30 years,” U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said in a statement. "It has been a pleasure to serve alongside Congressman Price and work closely with him on a bipartisan basis on issues ranging from disaster recovery funding to economic development and infrastructure improvements."

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said Price has his respect because of the integrity with which he served.

“Though we almost never agreed on policy, David is an honest broker who I worked with many times to advance the interests of our state and nation,” Hudson said in a statement. “I particularly appreciate David's commitment to our men and women in uniform. He never turned me down when I asked for his help on behalf of our service members at Fort Bragg.” 

Although Price said he knows it is time for him to retire, he said his pursuit to protect and expand democracy will remain. 

“I am deeply grateful to the people of the 4th District for making my service possible and for what we have been able to achieve together,” Price said in a statement. “And I promise, in the fifteen months remaining and beyond, to continue fighting for the just and inclusive country we believe in.”

@austinlblake

@DTHCityState | city@dailytarheel.com