Following the death of Rep. Mike Clampitt, the Republican District Executive Committee for House District 119 will nominate a replacement to finish his term representing Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties. The selection process involves a weighted vote by the committee members from these counties, with the recommendation then going to Gov. Josh Stein for appointment.
Clampitt, who was 71, died on March 18, 2026, after battling Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a form of blood cancer. He had represented North Carolina House District 119 since 2016. His district includes Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties in Western North Carolina.
Replacement Process
The executive committees of the Republican Party in Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties will conduct a weighted vote to determine Clampitt's replacement. Per state law, this vote is weighted by the total population of each county’s portion of the district (one vote per 300 residents), giving Jackson and Transylvania counties the greatest weight in the decision. The selected nominee will then be recommended to Gov. Stein.
Gov. Stein is required by law to appoint the recommended individual within seven days of receiving the recommendation. The appointed person will serve the remainder of Clampitt's term, which ends when the next General Assembly is sworn in at the start of 2027.
Because Clampitt had already won the Republican primary in March 2026, the same district committee will also meet to select a new Republican nominee for the November general election ballot to face Democrat Mark Burrows.
Clampitt's Service
Clampitt was a retired fire captain from Bryson City who served nearly three decades with the Charlotte Fire Department. During his time in office, he was a staunch advocate for first responders and focused on issues such as wildlife conservation and impaired driving, including sponsoring legislation to strengthen ignition interlock requirements. Most recently, he was a key figure in the legislative response to Western North Carolina's recovery following Hurricane Helene.
House Speaker Destin Hall called Clampitt "a true patriot" who served "with courage." Gov. Stein acknowledged Clampitt as "a steadfast public servant" and a dedicated advocate for his constituents.
Looking Ahead
The local GOP district committee is expected to convene soon to conduct the weighted vote for the vacancy and the November ballot nomination. The announcement of the date for this meeting is pending.