Born on September 12, 1982, in Miami, Florida, this North Carolina Representative has had a rich career in both military and legal fields. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 2000 and went on to earn a B.A. and M.A. from Emory University in 2004, before obtaining a J.D. from the University of North Carolina in 2009. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 2002 to 2003 and continues to serve in the North Carolina Army National Guard, having been deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2006.

After returning from military service, he transitioned to law practice, and he held the role of assistant district attorney in Gaston County from 2011 to 2014. His political career began in earnest when he was elected to the North Carolina State Senate, where he served from 2014 until 2022. In 2023, he was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until his resignation to assume the role of North Carolina's Attorney General on January 1, 2025.

Legislative Involvement

In Congress, he has been active on various committees and has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills. Notably, he co-sponsored the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 (HB14), aimed at reinforcing voting rights by requiring states with a history of violations to obtain preclearance before making changes to voting practices. This highlights his commitment to civil rights and equality in the democratic process.

He also co-sponsored the Mental Health Justice Act of 2023 (HB6451), reflecting his focus on public health issues, particularly in addressing mental health challenges. His sponsorship of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (HB82) indicates a push towards improving social welfare policies, particularly for individuals receiving both Social Security and government pensions.

In terms of labor and employee rights, he supported the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 (HB20), which aims to enhance protections for workers seeking to organize. This positions him firmly within a pro-labor stance, advocating for workers' rights and labor organization.

Personal Life and Political Ideology

Not only robust in his professional and political pursuits, he is also a family-oriented individual, balancing his public service with personal commitments. He has chosen not to seek reelection to the 119th Congress in order to focus on his upcoming role as Attorney General, further demonstrating a commitment to public service.

Overall, his legislative priorities emphasize civil rights, healthcare access, social equity, and support for labor rights. These initiatives align him with progressive values commonly associated with the Democratic Party, emphasizing a focus on community welfare and equality. His sponsorship of bills concerning voting rights and justice reform illustrate a willingness to confront systemic issues, aiming for broader accountability and equity within government policies.