Longtime North Carolina Legislator Passes Away at 71
The political landscape of Western North Carolina faces a significant shift following the death of Representative Mike Clampitt, who served Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties. At 71, Clampitt passed away after a year-long struggle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood and bone marrow cancer.
A native of Swain County, Clampitt was first elected to the North Carolina Statehouse in 2016 and served four terms representing District 119. His legislative efforts were marked by his advocacy for reducing drunk driving incidents and addressing issues affecting firefighters, working across party lines with both Republicans and Democrats.
Senator Kevin Corbin (R-50) expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, stating, “Our dear friend and public servant Representative Mike Clampitt just passed away after a year long battle. He was one of a kind and he will be missed. He was a fellow legislator, a close friend, as well as an outspoken advocate for Western NC. Rest in peace our friend.”
Clampitt had been open about his health challenges, revealing last April his diagnosis. Despite his illness, he continued to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability.
Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, highlighted the significance of the District 119 seat, especially given its geographical distance from Raleigh. “I think it’s particularly critical given the distance this district is from Raleigh,” Cooper commented. “The house member, and then of course the state Sen. Kevin Corbin, are really the lifeline to Raleigh for so many constituents in the west who are never going to spend any time in Raleigh at all and don’t know any of the power players at all. They need these representatives to represent them and their interests.”
Clampitt was in the midst of a re-election campaign, having secured the Republican primary win earlier in the month. Now, under state law, the responsibility falls to the governor to appoint a successor from the Republican Party’s recommendation, which must be made within seven days of receiving it.
The local Republican Party officials in Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties will convene to form a committee responsible for selecting a candidate to complete Clampitt’s term, which extends through the end of 2026 and into early 2027. This committee will also nominate a candidate to appear on the November ballot against the Democratic nominee, Mark Burroughs.
