Research Profile
Paul Barringer is a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina's 13th district for the 2026 election. He describes himself as a husband, father, lawyer, Sunday School teacher, endurance athlete, and community advocate. Barringer grew up on a farm in Lee County, NC, and manages his family’s tree farming operation. His educational background includes attending Lee County public schools, Davidson College, UNC Law School, and Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. Professionally, he has worked as a healthcare attorney, entrepreneur, and executive, managing high-performing teams and growing businesses. Barringer is also an Eagle Scout, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and has served extensively in community roles such as a Sunday School teacher and Boy Scout Leader [Sources: Ballotpedia, Campaign Website]
His campaign platform emphasizes practical solutions rooted in constitutional principles, focusing on issues such as fiscal responsibility, local control, health, and justice reforms. Key policy priorities include:
- Affordable Healthcare: Barringer advocates for improving healthcare access and affordability, emphasizing the need for practical, community-centered solutions [Sources: Campaign Website]
- Economy: He promotes prudent economic policies and fiscal responsibility, aiming to balance budgets and responsibly manage government spending [Sources: Campaign Website]
- Education: Barringer supports a strong public education system, emphasizing trust and teamwork among parents, teachers, and school boards. He advocates for service programs for older youth that combine education, vocational training, and community service to build skills and resilience [Sources: Campaign Website]
- Environment: He emphasizes the protection and responsible management of public lands, including national forests, wildlife refuges, and parks. His stance includes science-based stewardship, active forest management to prevent wildfires, sustainable grazing and timber practices, and expanding access to public lands for underserved communities. Barringer supports full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and policies aimed at biodiversity protection [Sources: Campaign Website]
- Foreign Policy & Immigration: While these are mentioned as priorities, specific detailed positions are less elaborated, indicating a focus on broader issues of national security and immigration reform [Sources: Campaign Website]
Notable news coverage confirms Barringer's active campaign efforts. He officially filed for candidacy in December 2025, intending to challenge incumbent Brad Knott. His campaign activities include fundraising efforts and community outreach, with reports highlighting his growing presence in local media and social media platforms. His campaign messaging emphasizes common sense, North Carolina values, and a commitment to solving tough problems without divisiveness [Sources: Caswell Messenger, Joco Report, Instagram]