When the call went out for Democrats to contest every seat in North Carolina, Michelle Antalec took up the challenge and is now the candidate for NC House District 113, which includes parts of Henderson, Rutherford and McDowell Counties as well as all of Polk County.
"Politics has always been my passion,” Michelle said. “Helping people get involved in democracy and working to ensure that everyone has a voice will always be important to me. One of my earliest memories is going to help at the polls with my grandmother in New Orleans. The people deserve a choice for who represents them."
Michelle earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Millsaps College, serving as a Senate intern during her junior year. “The internship was a good opportunity to see the legislative side of government. I feel I can draw on that experience to work in government effectively. I also believe my ability to connect with people and negotiate are well suited for working in the legislature.”
During college, Michelle discovered she also liked business and went on to get a master’s degree in finance from Louisiana State University. She spent her career in risk management, moving to Flat Rock when she married her husband, Michael Bell, in 2014.
Since moving here, Michelle has played many different roles with HCDP, including serving as precinct chair three times. She was first vice chair under Cindy Ellis and served as chair herself from April to December of 2023. Voting rights are especially important to Michelle. Despite restrictive voting laws passed by the state’s Republican controlled general assembly earlier this year, she has an upbeat attitude and sees many factors working in favor of democrats in Henderson County.
"Demographics are changing as more people move into Henderson County from out of state and also from Asheville. We have a great community of Democrats and progressive unaffiliates, and when we vote, we win.”
Michelle and her husband enjoy spending time with their six four-legged children—Miles Davis, Dizzy Doodle, Thai, Teddy, Ryan and Lyla. During the past year, they hosted a Japanese exchange student, and Michelle is honorary Auntie and mentor to a Georgia Tech graduate student from Cameroon. In the past she has been involved in theatre and still enjoys supporting theatre productions.
“I love Western North Carolina,” Michelle said. “The mountain environment, the rich culture, the wonderful people are all dear to me and I am motivated to protect them from the extremists who divide and exploit for the benefit of a few people. I’m ready to fight for the greater good.”