Howard Lassiter Penny Jr. is a Republican representing District 53 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. A retired agribusinessman and fourth-generation farmer from Coats, North Carolina, he took office on September 17, 2020, and is currently serving his third term as House Deputy Majority Whip. Notable achievements include serving as Chairman of the Agriculture and Environment Committee and previously the Local Government Committee; he also serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Local Government through 2025 and on the Municipal Incorporations Subcommittee through 2027.

Education and Political Experience

No specific details on formal education are available from public records. Penny's political experience includes 30 years of public service on the Harnett County Planning Boards, Tax Board of Equalization, Board of Education, and as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Harnett County Commission. First elected to the NC House in 2020, he represents Harnett and Johnston Counties, with committee roles in Agriculture, Appropriations, Education-Community Colleges, Environment, and Local Government.