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.
Have any of these General Assembly members explained why they’re missing votes?
I’ve served in the Lee County community for many years, and I can say without hesitation that Representative John Sauls has been one of the most honorable, steady, and faith-grounded public servants Lee and Moore counties have ever had. Seven terms of service don’t happen by accident—they happen because a man consistently puts his constituents first.
Articles that speculate about his health, his intentions, or his so-called “retirement plans” do nothing but distract from his decades of dedicated service. Rep. Sauls has earned the right to decide for himself when his season of service ends, and he deserves the respect that comes with that.
As for his voting record, anyone who has spent time in Raleigh understands that absences happen for countless legitimate reasons—committee responsibilities, district obligations, health appointments, or simply being excused for unavoidable conflicts. Selectively presenting raw vote totals without context is misleading at best. What matters is the quality of his service, not cherry-picked numbers.
John Sauls has always been accessible, responsive, and deeply rooted in the conservative values that define our community. The people of District 51 know his heart, his humility, and his record. He doesn’t chase headlines; he simply works.
Instead of tearing down a good man, our community would be better served by focusing on facts rather than rumors—and by showing gratitude to someone who has devoted much of his life to helping others.
I stand with Representative Sauls, and I’m grateful for his steady leadership.
— Sherry Lynn Womack, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Longtime Resident & Community Advocate