Debra Butler was chosen Wednesday to fill the seat vacated last week by former N.C. Rep. Susi Hamilton. Butler will become the second out LGBT member of the North Carolina General Assembly.

From the story in the Star News in Wilmington:

“Well, it is certainly a privilege and an honor,” said Butler, who was selected Wednesday night by a four-member panel of Democrats comprising an executive committee from New Hanover and Brunswick counties in a forum at the Leland town hall. “I will do my dead-level best to serve you with honor and with dignity.” Butler, who unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in 2012, was one of 10 candidates hoping to replace Hamilton, who was named by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve as N.C. secretary of natural and cultural resources . She will represent the 18th District, which encompasses downtown Wilmington and the northeastern portion of Brunswick County.

Butler will join Cecil Brockman as one of only two out LGBT lawmakers now serving in the N.C. House or N.C. Senate.