Longest-serving NC state senator won’t run again as he faces possible charges in shooting

No re-election bid for NC pol who shot intruder

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s longest-serving state senator won’t seek re-election next year as he faces possible criminal charges over a shooting at his home in August.

Sen. R.C. Soles said in a statement Wednesday he won’t seek a 22nd consecutive term. He was first elected to the General Assembly in 1968, more than four decades ago.

State prosecutors announced this month they plan to seek an assault charge against the 75-year-old after a grand jury found probable cause he acted criminally when he shot a former law client.

Soles made no reference to the case in his statement. Authorities said he shot Kyle Blackburn when Blackburn and another man tried to kick in the door of Soles’ home. Blackburn was not badly hurt.