Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

New Bern Board of Alderman and candidate for North Carolina Senate District 3, Robert “Bob” Brinson, Jr., was nominated to serve the remainder of Senator Jim Perry’s unexpired term. The 2nd Senatorial District Committee met on July 23 to make the nomination. 

“I am both humbled and honored that the 2nd Senatorial District Committee has selected me to fill the unexpired term of Senator Jim Perry. I have treated the position of New Bern Alderman as a neighbor serving neighbors. As the next North Carolina State Senator representing Craven, Beaufort, and Lenoir Counties, I will take this mentality and work ethic with me to continue to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina,” Brinson said in a press release. 

The nomination was sent to Governor Roy Cooper for approval. According to Perry, this is only a formality. If Cooper does not respond to the nomination within seven days, it still becomes law. North Carolina law states Brinson cannot serve two elected positions at the same time; therefore, he will step down as an Alderman. 

Brinson will serve until Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. When asked what action Brinson may be able to take in the next 100 days, Perry said, “It remains to be seen what, if anything, will be taken up the remainder of the year. While the chances are slim, it’s possible he could vote on legislation later this year.” 

Perry continued to say Brinson will most likely spend the next 100 days learning how the Senate works. While in office, Brinson can learn how to communicate with constituents, various entities in addition to learning about protocols and points of contact.

The earlier Brinson can get to the North Carolina Legislative Building, the better, Perry said. “If you wait until the last minute, or everyone shows up on day one when people are seated in office – it’s pretty chaotic. People who can help you are pretty busy. Coming in like this, I think, is very advantageous to understanding the governing side of the General Assembly.” 

It seems Brinson is taking Perry’s advice. In his press release, he states, “I know I have much to learn, and I will strive in earnest to learn quickly. I am also well aware that legislation and governing is not done alone. I will have two priorities. The first is to continue to listen to constituents and governing bodies throughout this district to discern the issues facing us and their solutions. The second will be to forge relationships and earn respect throughout the North Carolina Senate and House to enact legislation that will benefit Eastern North Carolina. Lawmakers east of 95 must work together to help our rural communities.”

Brinson had this to say about Perry, “I want to thank Senator Jim Perry, his wife, Rebecca, and his daughters for their service and sacrifice to our great state. Jim’s dedication to Eastern North Carolina is unmatched in recent history and is an example we all should emulate.” 

Perry announced his resignation from the North Carolina State Senate on July 2. In December he announced he would not run for reelection. 

Brinson has served on New Bern’s Board of Alderman, representing the Sixth Ward, since May of 2022. He is a native of New Bern and graduated from New Bern Senior High School. 

Per the City of New Bern’s website, “Alderman Brinson is a graduate of the United State Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Master of Public Administration.  After his graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the United States Army in the Aviation Branch. His military career took him all over the United States and around the world. When it came time to transition out of the military, Bob once again made New Bern his home.” 

Brinson is married to Amy Sebastian Brinson, and they have three grown children.