Catlin to retire in 2016

In an email Monday, the two-term representative said it "has been an honor" to serve House District 20, but he won't seek a third term in 2016.

Catlin, an engineer from Wilmington, explained that the chief executive of his company, Jeff Becken, had passed away unexpectedly shortly after the 2014 elections.

"During this last year, all of my loyal Catlin Engineers and Scientists employees have worked very hard to help me during the long legislative session," Catlin wrote. "Out of respect for my professional employees and their families, I have resumed my business responsibilities."

Catlin stressed that he would "work both jobs through the short session next year."

Last month, both Reps. Paul Tine, U-Dare, and James Langdon, R-Johnston, announced they too would retire in 2016.

Other lawmakers who will not seek re-election to their seats next year include the following:

Sen. Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson, and Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson, have both said they're considering retiring.

Sens. Josh Stein, D-Wake, and Buck Newton, R-Nash, are both running for attorney general in 2016, so they cannot seek re-election.

Rep. Brian Brown, R-Pitt, and Rep. Bryan Holloway, R-Stokes, both resigned their seats last month to take other positions. Brown is working for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, and Holloway will lobby for the North Carolina School Boards Association.