By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — State Rep. Carl Ford on Tuesday announced plans to run for a new N.C. Senate seat that represents Rowan and Stanly counties.

Ford, a Republican from China Grove, currently represents the 76th District in the N.C. House. Maps drawn to comply with a federal court order, however, placed Ford in the same district as another Republican, Rep. Larry Pittman of Concord. That left Ford to decide whether to run against a Republican colleague, run for another office, move to another district, or not run for any office.

On Tuesday morning, Ford said he decided to run in the redrawn Senate District 33, which contains all of Rowan and Stanly counties.

“I have loved serving the great people of the 76th District over the last few years,” Ford said in a news release. “After reviewing all of my options, lots of prayers and discussions with my family, it seems like right now is the perfect time for me to run for Senate.”

If the new maps hold up in federal court, which found that existing maps include racial gerrymanders, Ford would not have to face an incumbent in the 2018 election or a special election, if the court orders one. There is no incumbent legislator in the newly drawn 33rd District.

Sen. Cathy Dunn, a Republican from Davidson County, currently represents the 33rd District, but she was placed in a different district in the new maps, which were approved last week by the N.C. General Assembly.

“I am excited to see what the future will bring for Rowan and Stanly counties, and I look forward to being a part of that,” Ford said in his news release. “I take the opportunity to represent more people very serious and bathed this decision with lots of thought and prayer.”

Ford is serving his third term in the N.C. House, which ends in 2018. Previously, he served as chairman and vice chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners. Ford also owns and operates a radio station in China Grove.

He said leaving the House would be bittersweet, but he’s looking forward to representing more people and continuing to fight the radical left.

Ford said the House has been successful in “fighting for principles and ideals this state was founded on.” Ford said he plans to fight for the same principles in the Senate.

In his news release, Ford said lowering taxes, reforming government, deregulating businesses, and supporting the military are are important tasks for the General Assembly.

Contact associate editor Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.