Larry W. Potts was born on September 14, 1948, in Lexington, North Carolina. He is married to Carolyn and has three children. Professionally, Potts works as a real estate investor and building contractor. He served in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1970. His community involvement includes serving on the Executive Board of Directors for WFBH-Lexington Medical Center and spending 24 years on the Davidson County Economic Development Commission. In January 2020, he received the Legislator of the Year Award from the National MS Society.

Education

Potts attended Davidson County Community College.

Political Experience

A Republican, Potts represents District 81 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2016 and assumed office on January 1, 2017, succeeding Rayne Brown. As of the 2025-2026 session, he has served five terms in the House. His district includes Davidson County.

Prior to his state legislative service, Potts served as a Davidson County Commissioner for almost 21 years, including nine terms as Chairman. He also served on the Board of Davidson County Social Services and as Chairman of the NC Social Services Commission.

Within the North Carolina General Assembly, Potts has held several leadership positions. In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Health Committee and DHHS Appropriations Committee, as well as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. In 2022, he was appointed Senior Chair of the House Health Committee and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee for HHS. He won general elections in 2016, 2018, and 2020.