Longtime State Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, announced on Monday that she will not seek re-election and is retiring at the end of her current term.

Krawiec, who has served in the Senate since 2014, said in a press release that it has been a true blessing to serve her constituents in Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties.

“As I reflect on my time in office, I can’t help but think about the incredible change our state has seen,” she said. “North Carolina is truly the best state in the country, in no small part because of the numerous reforms the General Assembly has pursued. It has been an honor to play a role in that.” 

Krawiec serves as the chairwoman of the Senate Health Care, Pensions and Retirement and Aging, and Appropriations on Health and Human Services committees. Her work in the General Assembly resulted in major reforms in health care and foster care. She also spearheaded bipartisan legislation to implement voter ID in North Carolina. 

She has been a vocal opponent of abortion and was at the forefront of passing new pro-life measures in the General Assembly, including legislation to protect the lives of children who survive botched abortions and implementing new limits on abortions. 

“Senator Krawiec, a Godly woman in my opinion, has held steadfast to her Christian and conservative values,” said Anita Moody, president of the Forsyth County Republican Women. “Her values are in alignment with North Carolinians who love their families, value personal freedom, respect life, and realize that the state should manage its budget just like moms and dads across our state.”

Krawiec, along with fellow Sens. Lisa Barnes, R-Nash, Amy Galey, R-Alamance, and Vickie Sawyer, R-Iredell, released the following statement on the override of Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper’s override of S.B. 20, Care for Women, Children, and Families Act,” which restricts elective abortions after 12 weeks of fetal development in May.

“This is a monumental moment for women, children, and families in North Carolina. Our bill puts to rest all of the noise and lies we’ve been hearing this past week and brings to life a culture that cherishes motherhood and saves the lives of the unborn.”

She was also instrumental in the passage of H.B. 808, Gender Transition/Minors, which prohibits medical professionals from administering “gender-affirming care” to minors. 

“This bill is about protecting children and teenagers from decisions that have life-changing, permanent impacts,” Krawiec said in June. 

Krawiec was also involved with Medicaid Transformation, which moved the state’s Medicaid program from a fee-for-service program to managed care and with the passage of the Certificate of Need reform package as part of the General Assembly’s Medicaid expansion bill. 

“Sen. Krawiec is a conservative stalwart and has been a guiding force in the Senate,” Senate Leader Phil Berger R-Rockingham said. “Her influence can be felt throughout our caucus as a skilled legislator, trusted mentor, and well-respected colleague. Joyce’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by an unwavering commitment to her constituents. I am thankful for her years of service in the Senate and look forward to working with her as she finishes her term.” 

Krawiec has endorsed Republican Dana Caudill Jones, who is filing to run in State Senate District 31.

“Dana is a true friend. She shares our conservative values and will fight for Forsyth and Stokes counties in the General Assembly,” Krawiec said in a press release announcing Caudill Jones’s candidacy. “I proudly endorse Dana Caudill Jones for state Senate.” 

She and her husband, David, lead a second-generation family business, Caudill’s Electric.

Caudill Jones has served on the Kernersville Board of Alderman and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She was instrumental in establishing the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Education Foundation this year after retiring from the board. 

“Families, small businesses, workers – we’re all struggling under Biden’s economy,” said Caudill Jones. “If I earn the honor of representing Forsyth and Stokes counties in the state Senate, I will work tirelessly to help North Carolinians dealing with inflation.” 

She also said she would champion student achievement, parents’ rights, and school choice; lower taxes for working families and small businesses; a culture of life that protects and provides for unborn babies, mothers, and families; and Second Amendment rights.