NC Rep. Mike Clampitt shares rare cancer diagnosis
By Lilly Knoepp
April 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM EDT
Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) shared that a health diagnosis will limit his ability to attend public gatherings and respond to constituents.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of my life, but I remain hopeful and grounded by the unwavering support of my family, friends, and this incredible community,” Clampitt said in his newsletter on Friday.
Clampitt said he has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare and serious form of blood/bone marrow cancer.
“As I focus on my health and healing, I have had to make some difficult adjustments to my daily life and responsibilities,” Clampitt said in the newsletter. “Due to my condition and the vulnerability that comes with treatment, it is important that I avoid public gatherings at this time. While I deeply value community connection and engagement, protecting my health must be my priority right now.”
Clampitt’s seat is one of the most competitive districts in Western North Carolina. The district currently represents Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties. Clampitt, who has served four terms in the seat, previously went up against Democrat Joe Sam Queen five times in one of the state’s longest running match-ups. In 2022, the seat was redistricted to remove Haywood County and include Transylvania County. As a Haywood County resident, Queen was no longer eligible for the seat.
Clampitt won against Democratic challengers in 2022 and 2024 to hold onto the seat.
Clampitt shared that he might not be able to respond to emails, phone calls or messages as part of the announcement of his diagnosis. He directed all communications to his legislative assistant, Young Bae atyoung.bae@ncleg.gov or 919-715-3005.
“Young is fully informed and prepared to help in any way he can, and I have full confidence in his ability to serve you during my absence,” Clampitt said in the newsletter.
During this session, Clampitt did not vote on 25 bills with an excused absence on April 8 and 9. He previously voted on April 2. Clampitt has been a primary sponsor on 25 bills so far in 2025.
In November, Republicans lost the supermajority they had in 2023, when they held the necessary three-fifths majority required to override a veto. The Senate has a majority but the House of Representatives is one seat shy of a majority.
Political Expert Chris Cooper told BPR that no supermajority means that Democratic Gov. Josh Stein will be able to successfully veto Republican bills if there is enough consensus among Democrats.
Clampitt signaled in the newsletter that he plans to continue his term throughout his recovery.
“I believe deeply in the strength found through faith and perseverance - and in that spirit, I humbly ask you for your prayers and positive thoughts as I continue my journey toward recovery,” Clampitt said. “Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued encouragement. It is a profound honor to serve you, and I look forward to the day I can once again be with you in person, fully present and well.”
The 2025 budget discussions are expected to begin this week.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of my life, but I remain hopeful and grounded by the unwavering support of my family, friends, and this incredible community,” Clampitt said in his newsletter on Friday.
Clampitt said he has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare and serious form of blood/bone marrow cancer.
“As I focus on my health and healing, I have had to make some difficult adjustments to my daily life and responsibilities,” Clampitt said in the newsletter. “Due to my condition and the vulnerability that comes with treatment, it is important that I avoid public gatherings at this time. While I deeply value community connection and engagement, protecting my health must be my priority right now.”
Clampitt’s seat is one of the most competitive districts in Western North Carolina. The district currently represents Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties. Clampitt, who has served four terms in the seat, previously went up against Democrat Joe Sam Queen five times in one of the state’s longest running match-ups. In 2022, the seat was redistricted to remove Haywood County and include Transylvania County. As a Haywood County resident, Queen was no longer eligible for the seat.
Clampitt won against Democratic challengers in 2022 and 2024 to hold onto the seat.
Clampitt shared that he might not be able to respond to emails, phone calls or messages as part of the announcement of his diagnosis. He directed all communications to his legislative assistant, Young Bae atyoung.bae@ncleg.gov or 919-715-3005.
“Young is fully informed and prepared to help in any way he can, and I have full confidence in his ability to serve you during my absence,” Clampitt said in the newsletter.
During this session, Clampitt did not vote on 25 bills with an excused absence on April 8 and 9. He previously voted on April 2. Clampitt has been a primary sponsor on 25 bills so far in 2025.
In November, Republicans lost the supermajority they had in 2023, when they held the necessary three-fifths majority required to override a veto. The Senate has a majority but the House of Representatives is one seat shy of a majority.
Political Expert Chris Cooper told BPR that no supermajority means that Democratic Gov. Josh Stein will be able to successfully veto Republican bills if there is enough consensus among Democrats.
Clampitt signaled in the newsletter that he plans to continue his term throughout his recovery.
“I believe deeply in the strength found through faith and perseverance - and in that spirit, I humbly ask you for your prayers and positive thoughts as I continue my journey toward recovery,” Clampitt said. “Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued encouragement. It is a profound honor to serve you, and I look forward to the day I can once again be with you in person, fully present and well.”
The 2025 budget discussions are expected to begin this week.