Gov. Cooper also issued the following statement after learning of Sen. Basnight s passing: North Carolina lost a giant today with the passing of my friend, Senator Marc Basnight. His positive influence on our public universities, transportation, environment and more will be felt for decades. A man of great power and influence, his humble, common touch made everyone he met feel special, whether pouring them a glass of tea in his restaurant or sharing a pack of nabs at a country store. He believed in North Carolina and its people, and our state is stronger because of him. Our prayers are with Vicki, Caroline and the whole family.
Marc Basnight, a Democrat who who led the state Senate for a record 18 years and was considered among the most powerful politicians in North Carolina, died Monday. He was 73.
Basnight, who had been ill for years with what was later diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was one of North Carolina’s most powerful leaders while serving a record 18 years as Senate leader.
Former state Senator Marc Basnight died Monday at age 73. File photo
This story has been updated
Former state Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, a Manteo native and the coastal region’s champion throughout a storied legislative career, died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. He was 73.
A private burial service was held for the family due to COVID-19. A memorial will be held when its safe to gather together to celebrate his life and love for our state. His obituary is on Twiford Funeral Homes Outer Banks website.
Basnight was first elected in 1985 to represent Senate District 1, which today includes Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
Updated December 28, 2020 8:25 p.m. EST
Manteo, N.C. Marc Basnight, a Democrat who who led the state Senate for a record 18 years and was considered among the most powerful politicians in North Carolina, died Monday. He was 73. North Carolina lost a giant today with the passing of my friend, Sen. Marc Basnight, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. His positive influence on our public universities, transportation, environment and more will be felt for decades. A man of great power and influence, his humble, common touch made everyone he met feel special, whether pouring them a glass of tea in his restaurant or sharing a pack of nabs at a country store. He believed in North Carolina and its people, and our state is stronger because of him. Our prayers are with Vicki, Caroline and the whole family.