Rep. Mike Clampitt, a Bryson City Republican who represented western North Carolina’s 119th House district, died Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 71 and had been open about his illness for more than a year. Clampitt was serving his fourth term in the state House and had already won his party’s primary to run for another term this year.
Clampitt was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood and bone marrow disorder, in April 2025 and missed some legislative sessions last year tied to his health, according to The News & Observer. Family members and GOP colleagues had publicly rallied around him during his treatment, the outlet reported.
How the Seat Will Be Filled
Under state law, the governor appoints the person recommended by the political party’s executive committee to serve the unexpired portion of a General Assembly term, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. That means the local Republican executive committee for District 119 is expected to nominate a replacement and forward the name to the governor for appointment. The process is designed to keep a same-party replacement in office until the next election for the seat.
Colleagues Remember Clampitt
“For him, public service was both a calling and a duty, from his years as a fire captain to his time in the General Assembly,” House Speaker Destin Hall said in a statement to The News & Observer. Brenden Jones, a fellow Republican, said the party and constituents had been “rallying around him” as he fought the illness. According to The News & Observer, local Republicans will meet to choose a successor the governor can appoint, and Clampitt’s current term runs through December.
District and Record
Clampitt represented House District 119, which covers Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties, and the North Carolina General Assembly lists him as the district’s representative and a retired fire captain. During his time in Raleigh he filed bills focused on first responders and regional infrastructure and was a familiar presence on local issues affecting western North Carolina. The member biography includes his office contact details and record of service.
Officials had not released funeral arrangements as of Wednesday evening. This story will be updated when families and officials announce services or additional information.
