Josh Dobson (born July 19, 1981) is a retired American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as North Carolina Commissioner of Labor from 2021 to 2024. He previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing McDowell County.
He resigned as Commissioner of Labor in 2024 after declining to run for reelection, stating he was leaving public service for private sector opportunities. Following his resignation, he became president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association.
Early life and education Dobson was born on July 19, 1981, in North Carolina. He grew up in Avery County, and graduated from Avery High School. He then went to McDowell Technical Community College, where he completed an associate’s degree. He later received a bachelor's degree from Gardner-Webb University, and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University.
Political career Before becoming a State Representative, Dobson was a county commissioner for McDowell County.
House of Representatives He was appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives on January 29, 2013, after Mitch Gillespie resigned.
Legislative tenure
2014 election Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated JR Edwards in the general election.
2014 North Carolina House of Representatives electionPartyCandidateVotes%Republican Josh Dobson15,46774.9Democratic JR Edwards5,18825.1
2016 election Dobson was unopposed in both the Republican primary and the general election.
2018 election Dobson was unopposed in the Republican primary, and he defeated Howard Larsen in the general election.State Board of Elections
2018 North Carolina House of Representatives electionPartyCandidateVotes%Republican Josh Dobson20,40874.9Democratic Howard Larson6,82225.1
Commissioner of Labor
2020 election In May 2019, Dobson decided to run for North Carolina Commissioner of Labor. He defeated Democrat Jessica Holmes in the November 2020 general election.North State Journal He assumed office on January 2, 2021.
Tenure On December 6, 2022, Dobson announced that he would not seek reelection or election to any other public office in 2024. He resigned on November 6, 2024, the day after 2024 elections, saying, "After 21 years of public service, I look forward to pursuing new opportunities in the private sector."
Post-political career Less than a week after resigning his position, it was announced he would become president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association.
References