Foster announces candidacy for Senate seat

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lobbyist Marlowe Foster announced his candidacy on Saturday to fill the unexpired term of state Sen. Vernon Malone, who passed away last week.

Foster serves as the director of government affairs for pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and holds holding Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a master’s in public administration.

“While no one can truly replace Senator Malone, I am dedicated to preserving and continuing his legacy of educational opportunity in the 14th Senate District and across North Carolina,” Foster said in a release Saturday.

Malone, 77, died of natural causes at his Raleigh home on April 18. The Democrat and former educator had represented District 14 in the General Assembly for four years.

Members of the State Senate District Executive Committee will meet May 6 to place their nominations and hear from nominees. The committee is expected to choose Malone's replacement the same day.