Josh Dobson
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 | Luke Farley |
| 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 |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | McDowell Technical Community College Gardner-Webb University (BA) Appalachian State University (MPA) |
Josh Dobson (born July 19, 1981) is a retired American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as North Carolina Commissioner of Labor from 2021 to 2024. He previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing McDowell County.
He resigned as Commissioner of Labor in 2024 after declining to run for reelection, stating he was leaving public service for private sector opportunities.[1] Following his resignation, he became president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association.[2]
Early life and education
Dobson 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. He later received a bachelor's degree from Gardner-Webb University, and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University.[3]
Political career
Before becoming a State Representative, Dobson was a county commissioner for McDowell County.[3]
House of Representatives
He was appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives on January 29, 2013, after Mitch Gillespie resigned.[4]
Legislative tenure
2014 election
Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated JR Edwards in the general election.[5]
| 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
Dobson was unopposed in both the Republican primary and the general election.[5]
2018 election
Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated Howard Larsen in the general election.[5][6]
| 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
2020 election
In May 2019, Dobson decided to run for North Carolina Commissioner of Labor.[7] He defeated Democrat Jessica Holmes in the November 2020 general election.[5][8] He assumed office on January 2, 2021.[9]
Tenure
On December 6, 2022, Dobson announced that he would not seek reelection or election to any other public office in 2024.[10] 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."[1]
Post-political career
Less than a week after resigning his position, it was announced he would become president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association.[2]
References
- 1 2 "North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson resigns". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- 1 2 "Josh Dobson named president & CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association after resigning as labor commissioner". WRAL.com. 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- 1 2 "Rep. Josh Dobson". Retrieved July 19, 2020.
- ↑ "Our Campaigns - NC State House 085 - Appointment Race - Jan 29, 2013".
- 1 2 3 4 "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.