Pat Harrigan is a current representative for North Carolina, having been elected to the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress on January 3, 2025. Born on June 21, 1987, in San Diego County, California, Harrigan graduated from Francis Parker High School in 2005 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2009. Following his education, he served in the United States Army from 2009 until 2014. In addition to his legislative career, Harrigan is also a business owner and previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress in 2022.
Harrigan serves on multiple committees, showing an active engagement in key areas affecting national policy. He is a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, which indicates a significant focus on military and defense issues. Additionally, he is part of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, reflecting a broader interest in technological advancement and scientific inquiry.
Throughout his burgeoning legislative career, Harrigan has co-sponsored several bills that align with a conservative platform, emphasizing accountability, regulation reduction, and national security. Notably, he is a co-sponsor of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025 (HB142), which aims to improve oversight of executive regulations. This bill has been referred to multiple committees, including the Judiciary and the Budget, for further consideration.
Another significant piece of legislation he co-sponsored is the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (HB32). This bill proposes to deny federal funding to jurisdictions that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement. By leveraging federal funds to enforce stricter immigration policies, it reflects a firm stance on immigration reform and reinforces his conservative legislative agenda.
Harrigan is also known for sponsoring the Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2025 (HB511), which seeks to prohibit the Department of Defense from unilaterally initiating COVID-19 vaccine mandates without Congressional authorization, asserting a strong preference for legislative oversight in military health policy.
In addition to these legislative efforts, Harrigan's involvement in the Armed Services Committee and related subcommittees suggests a commitment to enhancing military readiness and addressing veteran affairs, alongside an interest in ensuring national security policies effectively respond to contemporary challenges.
Overall, Harrigan's political leanings align closely with Republican values, focusing on national security, immigration reform, regulatory oversight, and veterans' rights. His sponsorship and co-sponsorship of various bills highlight his intention to impact military, immigration, and regulatory policies significantly. As he progresses in his Congressional career, he is likely to continue advocating for these issues, reflecting the interests and values of his constituents in North Carolina and the broader Republican agenda.