Larry Wayne Potts

Larry Wayne Potts is the incumbent Republican candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 81 in the November 3, 2026 general election. He has served in the state House since January 1, 2017, and his current term runs until January 1, 2027, after winning the Republican primary on March 3, 2026 with 83.1% of the vote【1†L31-L38】.

Born September 14, 1948, in Davidson County, North Carolina, Potts earned an associate degree from Davidson County Community College and attended Spokane Community College and the Inland Empire School of the Bible【8†L13-L18】. He served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant【8†L21-L23】. After military service he entered the construction and investment sectors, becoming president and owner of Southland Construction Company and Davidson Investment Group【16†L9-L13】.

Potts began his public service as a Davidson County Commissioner, a role he held for 21 years, including nine terms as chairman and five terms as vice‑chairman【16†L15-L20】. He also chaired the North Carolina Board of Social Services from 2013 to 2017, appointed by Governor Pat McCrory【16†L22-L24】. His local involvement extended to the Economic Development Commission, Home Builders Association, and numerous civic and veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and VFW【16†L25-L30】.

In the General Assembly, Potts has been assigned to several key committees. For the 2023‑2024 session he serves as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and Senior Chair of the Health Committee, among others【1†L9-L16】. He previously chaired the Health Committee and held leadership positions on the Appropriations Committee and the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee across multiple sessions【1†L17-L30】. His legislative focus includes health‑care policy, veterans’ affairs, and fiscal oversight. In 2020 he was recognized with the Legislator of the Year award from the National MS Society, as noted on his Wikipedia entry【7†L41-L44】.

Potts’ education and professional background inform his policy positions, which emphasize pro‑life, pro‑Second Amendment, and pro‑business stances, as reported by VoteSmart【8†L71-L73】. He continues to reside in the Reeds community of Lexington with his wife Carolyn and their three children, and remains active in his local church, Lexington Community Church【16†L1-L4】.

For the 2026 race, Potts faces Democratic challenger Dylan Tucker. His campaign materials are hosted at https://larrywpotts.com/ where voters can find additional information and contact details【17†L1-L4】.

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