Ralph Hise is a Republican state senator representing District 47 in North Carolina, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. A native of Mitchell County born on August 15, 1976, he resides in Spruce Pine with his wife Linn and their twin sons, Thomas and Deren. Hise is serving his eighth term in the North Carolina Senate , currently as Senate Deputy President Pro Tempore . He previously served as mayor of Spruce Pine and is recognized as one of the most effective state senators, with notable achievements including the Defender of Liberty Award from the American Conservative Union. He prioritizes lowering taxes, improving public schools, supporting small businesses, and strengthening western North Carolina's economy.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BS in Statistics from Appalachian State University ; MEd in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University . Attended Mitchell High School and North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. Works as a statistician and Expert-in-Residence in the Health Policy Institute at UNC-Asheville.
• Political Experience:
  • Co-chairs Appropriations/Base Budget Committee, Redistricting and Elections Committee, and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology.
  • Member of Finance Committee, Health Care Committee, Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Revenue Law Study Committee, Rules and Operations of the Senate Committee, and Select Committee on Nominations.
  • Former chair of Appropriations on Health and Human Services Committee.
  • Chair/Vice-Chair of Mitchell County Republican Party; volunteer for North Carolina Republican Party campaigns .