Sue Ellen Myrick (born August 1, 1941, in Tiffin, Ohio) is an American businesswoman, advertising executive, and former politician who served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 9th congressional district from 1995 to 2013. A member of the Republican Party, she made history as the first Republican woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. Before entering national politics, Myrick built a career in public relations and advertising, beginning as a Sunday school teacher before this transition. She began her political journey at the local level in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she served on the city council and later became the city's first female mayor from 1987 to 1991. Her entry into Congress in 1994 was part of the 'Republican Revolution,' and during her tenure, she focused on issues like counter-terrorism and homeland security. She founded and co-chaired the House Anti-Terrorism/Jihad Caucus (also known as the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus) in 2006 to address threats from radical Islam, including testimony from experts like Tawfik Hamid. Known for her strong stance on national security, she was involved in various committees, including Homeland Security, and advocated for intelligence reforms post-9/11. Myrick announced her retirement on February 7, 2012, and left office in January 2013, succeeded by Robert Pittenger. After retiring from Congress, Myrick has remained involved in advocacy, particularly through organizations like America's Future, Inc., continuing her influence in Republican circles and counter-terrorism discussions, though maintaining a lower public profile overall. Her legacy includes pioneering women's roles in North Carolina Republican politics and her emphasis on national security.