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Murphy – The race for N.C. House of Representatives District 120 will have uncontested primaries Tuesday, March 3, with Democrat Caleb Brown seeking the seat of incumbent Republican Karl Gillespie.
The two will face off in the November general election. District 120 includes Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties.
Karl Gillespie (R), incumbent
Gillespie, 63, a former Macon County commissioner serving out his first term as state representative, is seeking re-election.
“Serving the people of Macon, Clay, Graham and Cherokee counties has been one of the great privileges of my life,” he said. “I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and proud of the results we’ve delivered together. After much prayer and conversations with my family, I am proud to humbly announce my intention to run for reelection to the N.C. House of Representatives.”
He cited several accomplishments during his first term in office:
- EMS and 911 call center upgrades;
- Funding for a new fire substation;
- Major investments in water and sewer infrastructure;
- Courthouse repairs and community college capital improvements.
“We also advanced the construction of a new seniors and veterans services center and a regional indoor firearms training facility to support public safety across western North Carolina,” he said. “In Raleigh, I have remained a committed advocate for our western North Carolina values – protecting the Second Amendment, defending parental rights, cutting burdensome regulations, reducing individual income taxes, and securing relief and resources for our dedicated farmers. I also worked with my colleagues to help deliver more than $2 billion in recovery assistance following Hurricane Helene.”
As a state representative, Gillespie has served as House Majority Whip, “strengthening our ability to ensure that far Western North Carolina’s priorities remain front and center in Raleigh,” he said.
“While I am proud of our progress, there is still more work ahead. I remain committed to serving with humility, dedication and an unwavering focus on the needs of our communities,” he said.
Gillespie founded National Communications Inc. in 1999 with one technician. The company is regional providing the installation and maintenance of all types of low-voltage communications systems.
Gillespie previously served on the Macon County board of commissioners from 2016-20, when he was elected state representative.
Caleb Brown (D), challenger
Macon County Democrat Caleb Brown of Highlands said, “My campaign is focused on issues that matter most to everyday working North Carolinians: fully funding our schools, access to affordable health care, and reducing household expenses,” said Brown, 33. “I’m ready to bring practical solutions, common sense policies and a strong voice for North Carolina’s western counties: Macon, Clay, Cherokee and Graham.”
Brown teaches history and social studies at Highlands High School and also is a coach for boys and girls varsity soccer.
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching and working with the next generation of leaders both in the classroom and on the soccer field,” Brown said. “I’m a dedicated educator, coach and public servant committed to Western North Carolina families and communities. As a teacher I know firsthand the stresses families face.”
Brown is also a second lieutenant in the N.C. Army National Guard. He is a South Carolina native, where his parents instilled in him the values of “hard work, dedication and empathy.”
“When I was seventeen, my mother passed away from cancer,” Brown said. “When I returned to school for my senior year, I had an army of teachers who looked out for me. They urged me to turn my sadness into something positive for the community.”
Brown started a fundraiser for Camp Kemo, a summer program for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. His effort raised $22,538. He said the outpouring of support from his school led him to become a teacher. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, S.C.
Brown said citizens, especially young people, should not only know how government impacts their lives, but also to be involved in the process.
“When Thomas Jefferson was my age, he was writing the Declaration of Independence,” Brown said. “I believe it’s extremely important for young people to step up to today’s challenges and help craft the future. That’s why I decided to seek the N.C. House seat.”