In 2008, Folwell sought the Republican nomination for state treasurer, but dropped out of the race; then in December 2011, he announced that he would not seek election to a fifth term in the North Carolina state House (a 120-member body led by a Speaker of the House who holds powers similar to those of the President pro-tem in the North Carolina Senate).
In 2008, Folwell sought the Republican nomination for state treasurer, but dropped out of the race (the nomination was ultimately run by Bill Daughtridge, who lost to Janet Cowell). In December 2011, Folwell announced that he would not seek election to a fifth term in the North Carolina state House. The House is a 120-member body led by a Speaker of the House, who holds powers similar to those of the President pro-tem in the North Carolina Senate. 
