The chairman of the state's elections board has resigned.
Andy Penry is stepping down after complaints over online criticisms he made about President Donald Trump.
Wake County GOP Chairman Charles Hellwig provided images of what appear to be tweets from Penry's account this year criticizing Trump and a proposed constitutional amendment. Hellwig cited state law prohibiting board members from publicly opposing candidates and referendums.
Penry, a Democrat, said he was leaving the elections and ethics enforcement board because he did not want to undermine an ongoing probe.
The investigation is looking at potential wrongdoing in the state's 9th Congressional District. The board is investigating alleged fraudulent activity related to mail-in absentee ballots.
Republican Mark Harris narrowly won that election, but the board has not yet certified the results. If the board finds wrongdoing, it could order a new election.
Penry's resignation was first reported by The Washington Post.