Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Laura Lindsey will not vote on the appointment of Commissioner Larry Pittman's successor.

Lindsey recused herself because she also serves on the Cabarrus County Republican Party's executive committee, the body responsible for recommending Pittman's replacement, the Salisbury Post reported Thursday, Sept. 24. Four commissioners remain to fill the seat.

Pittman announced his resignation effective Wednesday, Sept. 30, after submitting a resignation letter to County Manager John Eller following the board's September regular meeting. He and his wife Tammy plan to move to Pamlico County in eastern North Carolina.

Under state law, the board must adopt a resolution to consult with the county Republican Party's executive committee. The committee then has 30 days from the Sept. 30 vacancy to recommend a replacement. That deadline falls at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, according to a Cabarrus County news release.

The replacement must be a registered Republican. Commissioners are required to appoint whoever the party recommends, and the appointee will serve the remainder of Pittman's term through November 2028.

Party Chairman Jim Quick said the full executive committee will meet to set up a selection process and that any registered Republican may apply, Inform Cabarrus reported. Quick said the party plans to announce applicant requirements and deadlines.

Lindsey's dual role puts her on both sides of the process. Her recusal removes her from the board vote but does not affect her role on the party committee, the Salisbury Post reported.

Vice Chair Ian Patrick praised Pittman's service at the September meeting. "I suspect all the commissioners will say the same thing: that Larry Pittman is a man of deep faith, conviction and will not let his ethics or morals be corrupted by anyone or anything," Patrick said.

Pittman took office Dec. 2, 2024, and previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2011 through December 2022.

No date has been announced for the board to formally adopt the consultation resolution. Interested Republicans should watch for the party's forthcoming announcement on application requirements and deadlines.