Born on August 29, 1971, in Snow Hill, Greene County, North Carolina, this member of the U.S. Congress serves as a representative from North Carolina. They hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy (1994), a Master of Science from Central Michigan University (1997), a Master of Arts from East Carolina University (2001), and a Doctorate in Education from East Carolina University (2007). Their professional background includes serving in the United States Air Force from 1994 to 2001, working as an assistant professor at East Carolina University, and holding the position of Mayor of Snow Hill, North Carolina from 2001 to 2008. They were also a member of the North Carolina State Senate from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2022 before being elected to the 118th Congress on January 3, 2023.

In Congress, the representative is affiliated with the Democratic Party and serves on several committees, including the Education and Workforce Committee, which reflects their commitment to issues related to education, workforce development, and labor. They are also involved in the Agriculture Committee, aligning with their constituents' interests in agricultural matters.

The member has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills that illustrate their legislative priorities. Notable among these is the Family Cord Blood Banking Act (HB2810), which aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to treat amounts paid for private umbilical cord blood and tissue banking services as medical care expenses. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Another significant initiative is the Youth Lead Act (HB2812), aimed at addressing youth leadership and engagement issues; this bill has been sent to the House Committee on Agriculture for further deliberation. Furthermore, their engagement in education-related issues is demonstrated through their support for the Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies Act of 2025 (HB2538), which seeks to reform how Medicare reimburses emergency medical services, ensuring better access to timely care, especially for vulnerable populations.

On the health front, the representative has been active in addressing veterans' issues through the SAVES Act (HB2605), which would provide funding to facilitate access to service dogs for veterans, aiming to improve their quality of life.

In terms of political alignment, the member's focus on healthcare, education, and support for veterans tends to place them center-left within the Democratic spectrum. Their legislative efforts indicate a commitment to expanding medical access, improving educational systems, and advocating for the well-being of veterans, reflecting a deep alignment with Democratic priorities.

While serving in Congress, the indicative nature of their bills suggests an approach focused on community-driven initiatives and support for marginalized groups. They have established a reputation for being responsive to their constituents' needs, advocating for legislation that directly impacts the daily lives of North Carolinians.

For their personal life, further details such as family data or business endeavors were not provided in the current records, but their past as a lay minister suggests a strong tie to community and service values. This representative leverages their extensive background in public service, education, and local government to inform their approach in Congress, continually engaging with community issues and striving to create beneficial legislation for their constituents and beyond.