The Gist
State Representative, 53rd District
Photo of Howard L. Penny, Jr.
Howard L. Penny, Jr.Official portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Howard L. Penny, Jr.

Candidate for State Representative, 53rd District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; farmer, retired from agribusiness
Lives in
Coats
Campaign website
pennyfornchouse.com

House Deputy Majority Whip; state representative for District 53 (Harnett and Johnston counties). A retired agribusiness professional who operates his family's farm, he previously served on county planning boards, the board of education and the county commission, including as chairman.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Voted for amendment capping income tax rate at 3.5%.In office

    Voted Aye on third reading of Senate Bill 1080, "Lower Taxes for All NC," on May 20, 2026 (the House passed it 73-46). The bill submits a constitutional amendment to voters on November 3, 2026, providing that the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed 3.5% (the current constitutional limit is 7%).

    Senate Bill 1080 (2025-2026 session), edition 3

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · ncleg.gov

    “the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed three and one”
    Representative Howard L. Penny, Jr.: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call 664, May 20, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “Lower Taxes for All NC. Third Reading”
    Report

  • Voted for the 2026 state budget.In office

    Voted Aye on July 2, 2026, when the House adopted the conference report on Senate Bill 257, the 2026 Appropriations Act (88-21).

    Representative Howard L. Penny, Jr.: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call, July 2, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “2026 Appropriations Act. R3 Ruled Mat'l C RPT Adoption”
    Report

Health & human services

Government & transparency

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Howard L. Penny, Jr. on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.

All sources (10)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.