North Carolina House Rep. Ed Hanes Of Winston-Salem Resigns

A North Carolina House member from the Triad is stepping down.  Representative Ed Hanes is leaving three months before his re-election bid.

Hanes, a Democrat who represented Winston-Salem in the General Assembly, submitted his resignation Tuesday, effective immediately. Hanes was in his third term and set to face Republican Reginald Reid in November in the 72nd House District.

Hanes didn't give a reason for his departure but said in a release he will, "explore interests and opportunities across a number of platforms." Now Forsyth County Democratic activists can choose a replacement to fill Hanes' spot on the ballot and his House term through the end of the year.

Hanes indicated in a statement he would like to see Winston-Salem City Council Member Derwin Montgomery replace him in the House.

Hanes has been a vocal school choice advocate who spoke out for legislation that gave taxpayer-funded scholarships for children to attend private or religious schools.