North Carolina Republicans hope to keep one of their House of Representatives seats within the same family.

The Robeson County Republican Party on Tuesday voted to nominate John Lowery as a replacement for his younger brother, state Rep. Jarrod Lowery, in the state House of Representatives. Jarrod Lowery, 37, announced last month that he was resigning to take a federal government job in Washington.

Other WRAL Top Stories

When a General Assembly seat becomes vacant, state law directs the governor to appoint a new representative who has been recommended by the departing legislator’s political party. John Lowery would become the new representative for House District 47 if Democratic Gov. John Stein certifies the nomination. Stein’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Republicans want to keep Lumbee representation in the seat as the tribe seeks more representation in the state and federal government. Jarrod Lowery’s election to the seat in 2022 capped a years-long effort by the GOP to court supporters from the Lumbee Tribe, whose members have historically supported the Democratic Party. John Lowery, 44, is the chairman of the Lumbee Tribe.

Jarrod Lowery, a rising star within the GOP, stepped down to work as an advisor to the assistant secretary of Indian affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior, which oversees federal recognition for Native American tribes.

The Lumbee Tribe has about 55,000 members spread across Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties. The tribe has sought federal recognition for decades. In January, President Donald Trump directed the secretary of the interior to submit a plan for full federal recognition of the tribe, including full tribal benefits.

“I’ll be able to go and take my talents, loyalty, and the same vigor and work ethic that I’ve used here in the General Assembly to support the country on a larger scale,” Jarrod Lowery said in a video posted to social media.

John Lowery graduated from UNC-Pembroke with degrees in political science and American Indian studies and also holds an advanced degree in public administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, according to a statement issued on his behalf. He previously worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Commerce, the statement says.

“I want to thank my brother, Jarrod Lowery, for his dedicated service to our community and for setting a strong example of leadership rooted in faith, hard work, and integrity,” John Lowery said in a statement, adding: “I look forward to continuing that work for the people of Robeson County – strengthening our economy, supporting our schools, and ensuring that our values are represented in Raleigh.”