Washington County Commissioner D. Cole Phelps is
considering running in 2018 for North Carolina House District 1, which encompasses Tyrrell,
Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, Camden, and Washington counties.

“As lawmakers have passed new legislative maps and a federal court is reviewing them, I’m
incredibly humbled many across eastern North Carolina have reached out to me and asked me
to consider running for the House. Currently, I am in the process of doing so,” Phelps said.

The North Carolina lawmakers called a special legislative session in August to draw new
legislative maps. After the Joint Redistricting Committee held a public hearing at different sites
across the state that came with much scrutiny from residents who attended, lawmakers passed
new maps and sent them to a three-judge panel for final approval.

“I am seriously considering running because I understand what it means to be a champion for
small business owners, students, and families. Our state is leaving residents behind, and I am
determined to be a strong voice for eastern North Carolina. We have much work before us,”
Phelps added.

Plaintiffs in the case were provided time to respond to the newly drawn legislative maps.
Judges are still in the process of reviewing them. The federal court could accept the newly
drawn legislative maps or have them redrawn.

“Once the judges make a final ruling, I will take another look at the map and continue talking
with supporters before making my decision. If the maps stand, then I will likely run,” said
Phelps.

When he was first elected, Phelps was the youngest county commissioner in the state. Now, he
is serving his second term on the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Phelps is a
graduate of East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Currently, he has a law office in Plymouth and is also an instructor at East Carolina University.