Born on April 24, 1966, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this Representative has spent a significant portion of his life in his home state, where he graduated from Reynolds High School and later earned degrees from Appalachian State University (B.S., 1987) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1991; D.Div., 2009). Prior to his political career, he served as a pastor and engaged in various community and public service roles. He first pursued a congressional seat unsuccessfully in 2014 and again in 2016, before being elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 116th Congress in 2018, a seat he later vacated due to electoral issues. He subsequently was elected to the 119th Congress starting January 3, 2025.

Throughout his time in Congress, he has been an active participant in committees focused on law enforcement and government operations. He has sponsored or co-sponsored a variety of bills reflecting a commitment to his constituents’ safety and the promotion of legislative transparency. His legislative initiatives illustrate a strong focus on immigration control, law enforcement support, and healthcare policies aligned with conservative values.

Among the prominent bills he has co-sponsored is the Deport Alien Gang Members Act (HB175), which seeks to increase measures against non-U.S. nationals involved with gang activities and strengthen deportation provisions for such individuals. This bill, currently referred to the House Judiciary Committee, highlights his stance on crime and immigration issues, aligning with a broader Republican agenda of strict immigration enforcement.

Additionally, he co-sponsored the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (HB22), which mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. This act reflects a commitment to what he and other supporters perceive as the integrity of the electoral process. The bill has received significant attention and has been forwarded to the Senate.

Another critical area of focus has been women's health care, as demonstrated by his co-sponsorship of the Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act (HB599), which aims to redirect federal funding away from organizations like Planned Parenthood toward other health care providers. The implications of these shifts are subject to intense debate about access to essential health services, particularly for low-income women.

In addition to his legislative actions, he has shown interest in reforming government operations, sponsoring bills such as the CBO Show Your Work Act (HB724), which mandates transparency from the Congressional Budget Office regarding its methods and data used in fiscal estimates.

His political leanings are further illuminated by his backing of various immigration reform measures, including the controversial Teleabortion Prevention Act (HB729), reflecting pro-life values by emphasizing healthcare provider involvement in abortion procedures. Such positions indicate a conservative trajectory, prioritizing traditional family values, strict immigration policies, and enhanced government accountability.

This member maintains a familial connection grounded in his faith, which appears to influence his legislative priorities and community interactions. The combination of his pastoral background and his political actions signifies a commitment to serve his constituents in alignment with both community and faith-based values. As he continues his tenure in Congress, he remains a figure to watch concerning developments in conservative policy-making at the federal level, especially in areas affecting immigration, public safety, and healthcare.