American politician from North Carolina
Josh Dobson (born July 19, 1981) is an American politician, most recently serving as North Carolina Commissioner of Labor . He previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives .
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; Gardner-Webb University , where he got a bachelor’s degree; and Appalachian State University , where he earned a master’s degree in public administration.[ 1] He was appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives on January 29, 2013, after Mitch Gillespie resigned.[ 2]
Before becoming a State Representative, Dobson was a county commissioner for McDowell County .[ 1]
Legislative tenure
2014 election
Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated JR Edwards in the general election.[ 3]
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.[ 3]
2018 election
Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated Howard Larsen in the general election.[ 3] [ 4]
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 .[ 5] He defeated Democrat Jessica Holmes in the November 2020 general election .[ 3] [ 6] He assumed office on January 2, 2021.[ 7]
Tenure
On December 6, 2022, Dobson announced that he would not seek reelection or election to any other public office in 2024.[ 8] 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."[ 9]
References
^ a b "Rep. Josh Dobson" . Retrieved July 19, 2020 .
^ "Our Campaigns - NC State House 085 - Appointment Race - Jan 29, 2013" .
^ a b c d "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 .
^ "North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson resigns" . WRAL-TV . Capitol Broadcasting Company. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024 .
U.S. senators State government
Roy Cooper , Governor
Mark Robinson , Lieutenant Governor
Elaine Marshall , Secretary of State
Josh Stein , Attorney General
Dale Folwell , Treasurer
Jessica Holmes , Auditor
Steve Troxler , Agriculture Commissioner
Mike Causey , Insurance Commissioner
Josh Dobson , Labor Commissioner
Catherine Truitt , Superintendent
Senate House Supreme Court (elected)