The Republican parties of Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties, during a joint meeting, selected a replacement for Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain), who passed away March 18 at age 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer.

A new political ad marks a sharp escalation in the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley, turning Hurricane Helene recovery into a central line of attack by accusing Whatley of overseeing delays of more than $100 million in disaster relief and framing the stalled aid as a failure of leadership, rather than of bureaucracy.

Two complaints filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections against Jackson County Board of Elections Chair Bill Thompson were dismissed after they were given initial consideration at a March 25 meeting of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Haywood County Tax Collector Sebastian Cothran abruptly resigned mid-day on March 24, ending a brief tenure that began with his historic election at age 21 — one of the youngest elected officials in North Carolina at the time.

A pair of complaints have been filed against a Jackson County Board of Elections official, alleging he made inappropriate comments inside the Cullowhee polling site during early voting.

With grocery bills climbing and health care costs squeezing household budgets, former Gov. Roy Cooper is taking aim at the pocketbook issues he believes will define his U.S. Senate race against Republican Michael Whatley, framing his campaign as a direct response to what he calls an economy tilted against working families.

Mike Clampitt, the Republican State House representative for Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties, has passed away at the age of 71.

The conservative legislator was particularly dedicated to wildlife conservation issues, as well as combatting impaired driving.

Following a heated campaign, Mark Mease has defeated incumbent Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke in the Republican Primary Election.

Incumbent John Shearl has won the Republican Primary Election and will proceed to the November election in his bid to represent District 1 in Macon County, which includes Highlands, on the county commission.

Kellie Burns and Dylan Castle have emerged from a crowded Republican Primary field to advance to November’s General Election.