(The Center Square) – Republican Anna Ferguson has been selected to fill the District 119 seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Ferguson, expected to be on the ballot in November, succeeds Rep. Mike Clampitt. The fourth-term Republican from Bryson City died in March after a battle with cancer.
Ferguson is the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians chosen for the House. She was runner-up to Clampitt in the Republican primary on March 3, 56.7%-37.6%, and will face Transylvania County Democrat Mark Burrows on Nov. 3.
On Saturday, the Republican parties of Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties chose Ferguson. Per state law, next is the formal appointment of first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, followed by the oath of office.
Ferguson, from Jackson County, was the choice of the local parties over Molly McKim and Shira Hedgespeth of her home county, and Transylvania County Commissioner Larry Chapman. She’s also the nomination to take Clampitt’s place on the ballot in the fall.
“The people of Jackson, Swain, and Transylvania counties have chosen a dedicated advocate to represent their district,” said House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell. “I look forward to working with Anna in the North Carolina House to continue advancing policies that support western North Carolina and our entire state, including our ongoing efforts to help our neighbors recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene.”
Ferguson earned her undergrad in business administration at N.C. State. She has helped managed the family’s electrical contracting business and, with her sister, opened a retail store in Cherokee. She also has experience with short-term rental management.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks previously appointed Ferguson to the planning board for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
