RANDOLPH – North Carolina's only Republican House speaker of the 20th century is stepping down after 35 years in the General Assembly.

Randolph County Rep. Harold Brubaker announced his resignation Thursday. He was first elected in 1977 as one of only six republicans in the 120-member chamber.

Brubaker was elected speaker for a four-year term in 1995, when the GOP won the majority. Most recently, he was the House's senior budget-writer when Republicans regained control last year.

At 65-years-old, Brubaker said it is clear his work has been accomplished in the legislature and his future career goals are outside the house.

Party leaders in Brubaker's district will pick a replacement candidate to run in the November election.

Gov. Bev Perdue issued a statement:

Representative Harold Brubaker has been a good friend. The North Carolina House will certainly miss his experience and depth of knowledge. His long-time service to the state and to the voters of the 78th district will be missed.