Washington, D.C – Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on Congressman G. K. Butterfield’s (NC-01) retirement:

“Congressman Butterfield is an outstanding Member of Congress and an extraordinary leader for the people of North Carolina,” said Congresswoman Ross. “From his service as a Superior Court judge and a justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, to his chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus, to his numerous legislative accomplishments over two decades in the House, Congressman Butterfield retires with a formidable legacy of achievement. I am deeply honored to call him a colleague, a friend and a mentor.      

“Congressman Butterfield has always cared deeply about the people of Eastern North Carolina. Even as he rose through the ranks in Congress, G. K. was unrelenting in this determination to improve the lives of the constituents he was so proud to represent.

“From the very beginning of his career in public service, starting as a young man organizing voter registration marches in North Carolina, Congressman Butterfield has always been a bold champion for voting rights and civil rights. At this critical moment for our democracy, our state and our nation will miss his powerful moral leadership.       

“G. K. has been a dear friend for decades. Like so many others in North Carolina, I have long looked to his example to guide my own public service. I look forward to continuing to learn from his leadership for the remainder of this term. I wish G. K., his wife Sylvia, and his entire family great happiness as they embark on this new chapter.”

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