In a significant development for District 119, Anna Ferguson has been appointed as the new representative following the passing of Mike Clampitt. Ferguson’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to serve in the North Carolina House.
The late Mike Clampitt, who served four terms representing Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties, succumbed to myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare and grave blood and bone marrow cancer, in March. His passing left a vacancy that local Republican Party officials swiftly moved to fill. On April 11, these officials recommended Ferguson, a Western North Carolina businesswoman with deep roots in the Qualla Community, to take on the role.
According to Smoky Mountain News, state law mandates that the governor appoints the recommended candidate to complete the term, a decision that must be made within seven days of receiving the recommendation.
Ferguson, who previously served on the tribal government’s audit and ethics board and the planning board, has a clear focus for her term. Her campaign website outlines her priorities: balancing the budget, enhancing Medicaid funding, and improving public education.
EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks expressed pride in Ferguson’s new role, stating in a Facebook post, “We are proud to see her step forward to represent Western North Carolina, as we remember Representative Clampitt’s service and dedication to the people of this region.”
Ferguson’s political journey included running against Clampitt in the March primary, where she garnered 37.59% of the vote, as noted by the state board of elections. She will now be the Republican candidate in the November election, facing Democrat Mark Burrows.
Despite attempts to reach out, Ferguson has not yet provided comments on her new appointment, according to BPR’s current information.
