RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, who began his record fifth term as speaker in January, has announced that he will not seek reelection. The decision was made several months ago, and Moore is currently considering his future endeavors.

Moore's retirement comes after recent controversies, including a lawsuit that was filed against him. The lawsuit, which has since been dismissed, alleged that Moore engaged in an affair with the wife of a former Apex city councilman and participated in group sex with individuals seeking political favors.

The lawsuit, which named Moore and an unnamed John Doe defendant, included claims of alienation of affections and civil conspiracy. According to the lawsuit obtained by Channel 9, Moore was accused of using his position as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives to initiate contact and establish a personal relationship with Mrs. Lassiter, despite her being married to the plaintiff.

Jamie Liles Lassiter, the woman involved in the alleged affair, currently serves as the executive director of the North Carolina Conference of Clerks of Superior Court.

Moore's retirement announcement marks the end of an influential tenure in the House, where he has been a key figure in advancing a conservative fiscal and social agenda alongside Senate leader Phil Berger. The two leaders have played a pivotal role in building GOP seat margins back to veto-proof majorities in the General Assembly.

As Moore prepares to step down as speaker, the North Carolina General Assembly is facing further delays in legislative progress. Budget negotiations and summer travel have resulted in a week-long pause in formal work, with the fate of five bills vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper remaining uncertain. Speaker Moore had previously postponed override votes on the vetoed bills due to the challenges of ensuring all Republican colleagues could be present to secure a successful override.

While Moore's retirement from the speakership is confirmed, his future plans beyond the current term remain undecided. As he embarks on a new chapter, his departure leaves room for speculation regarding potential successors and the future trajectory of the state's political landscape.

In response to Moore's retirement, Representative Jason Saine, a Lincoln County Republican and top budget writer, emphasized that Moore's decision was made well in advance and was not connected to the recent lawsuit. "No one is pushing the speaker out," Saine stated, adding, "He's been very open and honest that he would not seek another term as our speaker."

The North Carolina General Assembly now faces the challenge of continuing legislative proceedings amid ongoing budget negotiations and the looming specter of a potential leadership change.