Jim Perry (politician)

James Perry (born c. 1972) is a Republican politician who was a member of the North Carolina State Senate, representing the 7th district. He was appointed to the state Senate on January 31, 2019 by Governor Roy Cooper, to replace Louis Pate, who resigned for health reasons. He was chosen as Majority Whip for the 2021-2022 Biennium. Perry was challenged in the 2020 Republican Primary. He won the primary with 66% of the vote and won 86% of the vote in his home county of Lenoir. At the general election he defeated his opponent by 11 points.

Perry served as co-chairmen of the powerful Senate finance committee, as well as serving as a majority Whip. He also variously served on Health Care, Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Commerce and Insurance, Pensions and Retirement and Aging, and State and Local Government Committees. Additionally, Perry served on the Child Fatality Task Force. In 2023, Perry sponsored a notable bill to loosen gun restrictions in the state. SB41 removed the requirement for pistol permits, and in limited cases allow concealed carry at religious institutions located on school property.

Perry announced he would not run for re-election in December of 2023, citing health and inability to offer to time commitment another term would require. He cited similar reasons when he resigned on July 2, 2024. County level GOP leaders will appoint someone to fill his vacancy through the remainder of his term.