Representative Karl Gillespie

Karl Ellis Gillespie is a Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives who has represented the 120th district since 2021. The 120th district includes all of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and Macon counties. Gillespie’s current term ends on January 1, 2025.

Born on September 6, 1962, Gillespie’s career experience includes working as vice president of Globe Communications and as the president and founder of National Communications, Inc. He has a residence in Franklin, North Carolina.

Before his tenure in the House of Representatives, Gillespie served on the Macon County board of commissioners from 2016 to 2020. He was elected to House Majority Whip in the North Carolina House of Representatives on August 16, 2023.

In terms of committee assignments for the 2023-2024 session, Gillespie was assigned to the following committees: Agriculture Committee (Vice Chair), Appropriations Committee (Vice Chair), Appropriations on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources Committee (Chair), Environment Committee (Chair), Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs Committee (Vice Chair), and Wildlife Resources Committee (Vice Chair).

Gillespie is running for re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 120. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.