Republican North Carolina Rep. Mike Clampitt, who spent years as a firefighter in Charlotte before retiring to western North Carolina and starting a political career, died Wednesday following a battle with cancer. He was 71. 

Clampitt, a Republican representing district covering Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties, served four terms in the legislature.

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He made a name for himself as a politician who backed efforts to get new benefits for firefighters, and to strengthen the state's laws against drunk driving.

In 2017, he and five other Republicans made waves when they proposed amending the state constitution to allow North Carolina to secede from the Union again.

"Mike Clampitt was my friend, a colleague, and a true patriot," House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said in a statement on Wednesday. "For him, public service was both a calling and a duty, from his years as a fire captain to his time in the General Assembly. He loved the people he served and cared deeply about the issues that mattered most to his constituents in Western North Carolina."

Gov. Josh Stein praised Clampitt on Wednesday as someone who worked to improve his community.

"Before I was sworn in as governor, Rep. Mike Clampitt was one of the first people I called as we worked to rebuild western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene," Stein, a Democrat, wrote on social media. "He was a steadfast public servant for his community in WNC, and today I am saddened by the news of his passing. May his memory be a blessing."

After announcing his cancer diagnosis last year, Clampitt missed some votes at the legislature but was present for other votes. He surprised some political observers by deciding to seek reelection this year. Clampitt won his primary this month, fending off two GOP challengers.

It'll now be up to local Republican Party leaders in western North Carolina to pick his replacement in the legislature. 

"He was steadfast member of the NC Republican Party and his joyful presence will be missed," a party spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.