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Despite illness, Clampitt plans to run again

Written by
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Rep. Mike Clampitt. Rep. Mike Clampitt. File photo

Republican Mike Clampitt, currently serving his fourth term as District 119 House Rep., tells The Smoky Mountain News he plans to run for reelection in 2026 despite recent health concerns. In April, Clampitt announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare, serious form of blood and bone marrow cancer known as Myelodysplastic syndrome. 

Since then, when in Raleigh, Clampitt has taken steps to protect his immune system so he can continue to work. Clampitt played an integral role in crafting the latest Hurricane Helene relief bill, serving on the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery, often meeting until after 10 p.m. A Swain County native, Clampitt represents Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties. Candidate filing for the 2026 General Election begins on Dec. 1. 

— Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor

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