Missed 58% of votes this session (and seeking reelection)

If you failed to show up to your job 58 percent of the time, HOW LONG would YOU stay employed?

John Sauls (R) has been serving the people of Lee and Moore counties in state House of Representatives district 51 for seven terms.  He’s an older guy who has reportedly been dealing with health issues.  The word on the street has been that THIS term would be his last. Plenty of folks were willing to let him finish the term and retire gracefully.

Yet, filing for 2026 happens in December.  And we’re hearing no indications that Sauls is planning to retire. Word on the street is that the GOP establishment is lining up a left-leaning GOP official in Lee County to run for district 51 in 2026 — whether or not Sauls files for reelection.  We’re also hearing that a couple of Lee County-based conservative leaders are eyeing the seat as well.

One thing that is causing some concern for Sauls-watchers is his attendance record in the House this session.  The House had 627 votes between January 8th, 2025 and October 22, 2025.

General Assembly records indicate Rep. Sauls missed 361 out of 627 total votes this session.  That’s roughly 58% of all votes this session that he’s missed. 

To compare, let’s look at the record compiled by the House members representing House districts adjacent to the Sauls district.   General Assembly records indicate that Rep. Neal Jackson (R) – Moore and Randolph counties –  has missed 142 votes out of a total 627.  That’s a missed vote rate of about 23 percent.

Let’s look at Rep. Ben Moss (R) – Richmond and Moore counties.  NCGA records indicate he’s missed 130 votes out of a total 627.    That’s a missed vote rate of about 21 percent. 

The most important part of your job as an elected legislator is to show up and vote on behalf of your constituents, friends, and neighbors.