Tangie Morgan is the mayor of the small town of Saluda in Polk County. She’s also the owner and manager of the M. A. Pace General Store, which she says is one of the oldest stores in North Carolina. “See, this is my family’s business,” Morgan told BPR on a recent afternoon. “It started in the 1890s. And yeah, 176 has affected us.”

Some WNC communities are still grappling with Helene-related road closures. It’s not an easy wait.

Tangie owns and manages the M. A. Pace General Store.

Some WNC communities are still grappling with Helene-related road ...

The City of Saluda held its swear-in ceremony recently and swore into office its first female mayor Tangie Morgan. Morgan was sworn in alongside her father, Leon Morgan, a long-time former city commissioner. (Photo submitted by the City of Saluda)

First female mayor

First female mayor of Saluda sworn in | The Tryon Daily Bulletin

Tangie currently serves as mayor of Saluda. She was first elected in 2021. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 2, 2026, Tangie Morgan did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

A woman interrupts us, a young girl trailing behind. She wants to pay for a lollipop.

And then another woman pops in with a question. “Coon Dog Day?”

“We’re having it,” Morgan replies defiantly. Coon Dog Day is an arts, crafts, music extravaganza that includes a AKC-sanctioned dog show and treeing contest. In the evening, there’s square dancing and shagging (the state dance of South Carolina) on Main Street. The event has been around since 1963.

“We’re doing it. We’re having Coon Dog Day. We are doing it!”

Dispatch from Saluda, North Carolina

Planned to hold Saluda's Coon Dog Day after Hurricane Helene. 

- Planned to hold Saluda's Coon Dog Day after Hurricane Helene. 

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Tangie Morgan

As of September 2, 2026, Tangie Morgan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tangie Morgan is the mayor of the small town of Saluda in Polk County.

She’s also the owner and manager of the M. A. Pace General Store, which she says is one of the oldest stores in North Carolina.

Some WNC communities are still grappling with Helene-related road closures. 'It's not an easy wait'

Newly elected Saluda Mayor Tangie Morgan was sworn into office during the city’s December meeting. 

Morgan won the election in November over incumbent mayor Fred Baisden. Morgan received 148 votes to Baisden’s 92 votes. There were also 2 write-in votes for mayor last year.

First female mayor of Saluda sworn in

Chazzy Bailey

Buket Urgen

Gilbert Mata

Rebecca Emory

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.