Ralph Hise

Ralph Hise is an American politician currently serving as a member of the North Carolina State Senate, representing District 47. A member of the Republican Party, Hise has been in office since 2011, following his election in November 2010. He is a native of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and has a background in statistics and higher education administration.

Early life and career

Ralph Hise was born on August 15, 1976, in Mitchell County, North Carolina. He completed his early education at Mitchell High School before advancing to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, an institution known for its focus on science and mathematics education. Following his high school education, Hise pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in statistics from Appalachian State University. He furthered his academic credentials by obtaining a master's degree in higher education administration from North Carolina State University.

Professionally, Hise has established himself as a statistician. He currently holds the position of Coordinator of Special Projects at Mayland Community College, located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. In this role, he is involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and resources within the community college system.

Legislative service

Hise entered the political arena in 2011 when he was elected to the North Carolina State Senate at the age of 35, making him the youngest Republican member in the Senate at that time. His tenure began after he won the election on November 2, 2010. Since taking office, Hise has been active in various legislative committees and has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the chairman of the Senate committee on Medicaid. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in legislative discussions regarding healthcare policy in North Carolina.

One notable legislative action during Hise's career was his influence over House Bill 998, which aimed to study rural healthcare needs, including the potential expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Hise's leadership as committee chairman led to the rejection of the portion of the bill that sought to explore this expansion, reflecting his stance on healthcare policy.

On January 9, 2019, Hise was appointed as the Deputy President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, succeeding Senator Louis Pate. This position further solidified his role as a key figure within the Senate, allowing him to influence legislative priorities and strategies.

In 2021, Hise proposed legislation aimed at regulating medical procedures related to gender confirmation for minors. This proposed legislation sought to prohibit medical professionals from performing gender confirmation surgeries on individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, it included provisions requiring state employees to inform parents if their children exhibited signs of "gender nonconformity." This legislation sparked discussions and debates surrounding transgender rights and healthcare access in North Carolina.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the North Carolina State Senate, Hise represents District 47, which encompasses parts of Mitchell County and surrounding areas. His policy focus has included healthcare, education, and issues pertinent to his constituents. Hise's background in statistics and higher education informs his approach to legislative matters, particularly those related to education and community college initiatives.

Throughout his legislative career, Hise has faced scrutiny regarding campaign finance practices. In 2017, he was the subject of complaints filed with the North Carolina Board of Elections, alleging various campaign finance violations. These complaints included accusations of improper payments from his campaign fund. At the time, Hise was serving as the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Elections. In response to the investigation, he introduced Senate Bill 68, which sought to restructure the State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement. This bill aimed to consolidate the two entities and alter the appointment process for leadership positions. However, the bill faced legal challenges, and the North Carolina Supreme Court ultimately ruled that certain provisions violated the state Constitution.

In addition to the campaign finance investigation, Hise was involved in a significant incident regarding campaign donations. Along with State Representative Josh Dobson, he was required to forfeit contributions received from the Pfizer Inc. Political Action Committee, marking one of the largest campaign donation forfeitures in North Carolina's history. Hise stated that he believed the contributions were received legally and returned them as requested by the State Board of Elections.

On a personal level, Ralph Hise resides in Spruce Pine with his wife, Linn, and their twin sons. The family is active in their local community and attends the church of the Ark of WNC. Hise's family life and community involvement reflect his commitment to the values and concerns of his constituents in District 47.

Overall, Ralph Hise's legislative career has been marked by his focus on healthcare policy, education, and his active participation in the political landscape of North Carolina. His background in statistics and higher education administration continues to inform his approach to governance and public service.