RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - He's one of the most powerful Republicans in the General Assembly, but Tom Apodaca has decided seven terms is enough.

The Senate Rules Chairman said Monday he will not seek re-election to his District 48 seat, which serves Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties.

Apodaca joins a crowd of nearly two dozen legislators who are not interested in serving another term. That list includes Wake County Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam and Sen. Bob Rucho of Mecklenburg County.

Apodaca's announcement comes as the official filing period opens on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Candidates for office have until Dec. 21 to file the paperwork and pay the fees required to make the ballot.