The speaker is elected by the members of the house when they first convene for their regular session, which is currently in January of each odd-numbered year.

In 1776, North Carolina created its first constitution, which established a Senate and a House of Commons, both of which were elected by voters.

"[1] For most of the twentieth century, the office's power was limited, because Speakers usually only served for a single legislative session.

Democrats held the speaker's chair continuously from 1899 until 1994, when Republicans gained a majority and elected Harold J. Brubaker in January 1995.

After Democrats won a majority in the 2004 election, this arrangement was ended, but Morgan again supported Black and was named Speaker Pro Tempore.