Brian Mills Turner is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 116 in western Buncombe County, including Asheville. Born and raised in Asheville, he returned 20 years ago to start a family and engage in community service. Notable achievements include securing Pisgah View State Park, bringing manufacturing jobs to the region, raising North Carolina's minimum marriage age from 14 to 16, advocating for child sexual assault survivors' access to justice, and opposing HB2 . He is recognized for bipartisan effectiveness, earning honors from the NC League of Conservation Voters and NC Chamber of Commerce as a Jobs Champion. Currently, he serves as a commercial real estate broker and on boards including the Institute for Political Leadership and NC TOWERS taskforce.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics from Northwestern University ; MBA from Wake Forest University .
• Professional Background: Television producer for MTV; executive at family manufacturing business ; Assistant Vice Chancellor at UNC Asheville; commercial real estate broker with NAI Beverly-Hanks.
• Political Experience: First elected in 2014, defeating incumbent Tim Moffitt . Served 2015-2023 ; declined 2022 re-election; policy director at Audubon North Carolina ; re-elected unopposed to redrawn District 116 in 2024 for 2025-2026 session . Focus areas: public education, environmental protection, local economic growth.