North Carolina state Rep. Mike Clampitt died on Wednesday after a year-long fight with bone marrow cancer. He was 71.
The Republican, who was fond of wearing unusual, multi-colored suits around the General Assembly, represented Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties.
Since joining the legislature in 2017, Clampitt pushed for greater resources for first responders and more funding for victims of Hurricane Helene. Before that, he served as a fire captain. He was also a proud and open member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Oath Keepers, an anti-government militia group.
Clampitt handily won his primary reelection earlier this month. Under state law, an executive committee of Republicans from across the three counties will fill the vacancy.