The Board of Orange County Commissioners officially welcomed its new member on Thursday night, as Phyllis Portie-Ascott was sworn into their ranks.

In front of her husband, children and extended family — as well as many other Orange County leaders in attendance — Portie-Ascott took her oath of office during the board’s work session. U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee administered the oath to the former Orange County Democratic Party Chair, who was appointed to the role on February 7.

Portie-Ascott was selected from a group of four applicants to fill a vacant District 2 seat — which is reserved for a Hillsborough or northern Orange County resident. The seat’s previous elected official, Renée Price, left the board at the end of 2022 after winning election to the North Carolina House of Representatives. The other county commissioners selected Portie-Ascott unanimously.

Phyllis Portie-Ascott takes her oath of office with her husband, son and daughter watching on. U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee reads the oath. (Photo via Kristin Prelipp/Orange County.)

 

Once she took her seat at the desk, the new county commissioner took time to thank those in attendance, those who have confidence in her, and “those folks who nudged me out here.”

“I’m grateful,” Portie-Ascott added through welling tears. “I promise to do my best for the residents of District 2 and really for all of Orange County. Thank you.”

All of the commissioners in attendance offered words of encouragement and welcome to Portie-Ascott after Thursday’s swearing-in, including Anna Richards — the most recent commissioner to go through the appointment process to the board.

“We’re excited for her perspective and experience and what we know will be great leadership for representing District 2,” said Richards, who holds a District 1 seat. “She has been such a vital part of that community, so we welcome her and [offer] her excited congratulations.”

Portie-Ascott’s seat is set to last through the end of 2024, based on Price being re-elected to District 2 in the 2020 cycle. Her swearing-in ceremony, as well as the rest of the Board of Orange County Commissioners’ work session, can be watched here.

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