Larry Craig Strickland

Larry Craig Strickland is the incumbent Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 28, a seat he has held since January 1, 2017 and will continue to hold through January 1, 2027 unless defeated in the upcoming 2026 election. As a state representative, he participates in the General Assembly’s law‑making process, drafts and votes on legislation, and serves on multiple committees that shape the state budget, agricultural policy, education, and energy regulation, thereby representing the interests of constituents in southern Johnston County and surrounding areas ¹⁵¹⁶.

Born on June 7, 1955, Strickland grew up on a tobacco farm in the Brogden community of Johnston County. He earned an Associate of Science from Wayne Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Atlantic Christian College, preparing him for a career in business and public service ⁵. Professionally, he is a real‑estate appraiser and farmer, co‑owning Strickland Brothers Farm, LLC, and operating Strickland Appraisal Services, LLC. Prior to his legislative career, he worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, retiring in 2016 as Assistant Manager of the Right‑of‑Way Unit ¹³³.

Strickland’s public service began with education. He served on the Johnston County Board of Education from 1998 to 2016, including eight years as board chairman, and earlier chaired the Johnston County School Parent Advisory Board for four years. His involvement extends to local faith and civic groups: he sits on the Deacon Board and serves as treasurer of the Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church and is a member of the Pine Level Lions Club ¹³⁵.

In the House, Strickland has held several leadership positions. For the 2023‑2024 session he chairs the Appropriations Committee, serves as Vice Chair of the Appropriations on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources Committee, and sits on the Agriculture, Commerce, Education‑K‑12, and Energy and Public Utilities committees. He previously chaired the Agriculture Committee and held vice‑chair roles on Appropriations and other key committees during earlier sessions, reflecting a focus on fiscal responsibility, agricultural development, and infrastructure ¹.

Legislatively, Strickland has sponsored and supported bills related to agriculture, transportation, energy, and education, aligning with his committee work and district priorities. He is recognized as a full Appropriations Chair in the General Assembly, a role that gives him significant influence over the state budget process ¹³.

Strickland is seeking re‑election in the 2026 general election for House District 28. He won the Republican primary on March 3, 2026 with 89.1% of the vote (7,042 votes) and will face Democratic challenger D. Matthew Bailey on November 3, 2026 ¹. His campaign maintains a website at larrycstrickland.org, where supporters can volunteer and learn more about his platform ¹¹.

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