Mark Pless is a Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 118 since January 2021. A lifelong public servant from Canton, North Carolina, he resides there with his wife Rebecca and has two sons, Jared and Gage. Previously a Haywood County Commissioner, Pless has a background as a paramedic since 1993 and a firefighter for nearly 30 years with the Center Pigeon Fire Department. He also worked with teenagers for 20 years through Sunday School and youth groups in Haywood County churches. Notable committee roles include Chair of Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery, Vice Chair of Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs and the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery, Co-chair of the Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee, and memberships on Appropriations, Transportation, Wildlife Resources, and others.

Education and Political Experience

Education details are not specified in available records. Politically, Pless has served three terms in the North Carolina House as of the 2025-2026 session. He previously held a position as Haywood County Commissioner. In the legislature, he contributes to key areas like appropriations , homeland security, military and veterans affairs, and disaster recovery efforts.