Ralph Hise is from Mitchell County, North Carolina. He attended Mitchell High School and the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. He has a bachelors degree in statistics from Appalachian State University and a masters degree in higher education administration from North Carolina State University. He lives with his wife, Linn, and their twin sons, Thomas and Deren, in Spruce Pine.

North Carolina State Senate District 47 - Ballotpedia

Ralph Hise is from Mitchell County, North Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree in statistics from Appalachian State University and a master's degree in higher education administration from North Carolina State University. He lives with his wife and their twin sons in Spruce Pine.

Ralph is a statistician and an expert-in-residence in the Health Policy Institute at UNC-Asheville. 

Ralph currently serves as state senator in District 47. He is serving his sixth term. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Economy

Opposes gun control and has an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Public Safety

Facebook

Believes there is a healthcare provider shortage.

Supported legislation that would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to "practice at the top of their licenses."

- Believes there is a healthcare provider shortage.
- Seeks to address surprise billing.
- Supported legislation that would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to "practice at the top of their licenses."

Healthcare

Opposes critical race theory, education that argues racism is part of society as a whole, particularly through policies, laws, institutions, and structures.

- Opposes critical race theory, education that argues racism is part of society as a whole, particularly through policies, laws, institutions, and structures.

Education

Energy & the Environment

As of January 5, 2026, Ralph Hise’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

As a state senator, passed Senate Bill 725 (SB725) which prohibits "big tech" companies from donating to election boards.

Passed Senate Bill 725 (SB725) which prohibits "big tech" companies from donating to election boards.

- Passed Senate Bill 725 (SB725) which prohibits "big tech" companies from donating to election boards.

Voting & Elections

Ralph Hise

Opposes critical race theory, education that argues racism is ingrained into society as a whole, particularly through policies, laws, institutions, and structures.

- Opposes critical race theory, education that argues racism is ingrained into society as a whole, particularly through policies, laws, institutions, and structures.

Buket Urgen

Frank Patton Hughes III

- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the North Carolina Senate. The North Carolina Senate is the upper house of the North Carolina General Assembly (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- The State Senator is elected to a 2-year term. There is no term limit.

Your representative and state lawmaker in North Carolina Senate.