Republican · North Carolina's 6th District · 2026
Addison McDowell
McDowell met his wife, Rachel, while they were Young Life leaders at UNC Charlotte.
Biography
Addison McDowell met his wife, Rachel, while they were YoungLife ministry leaders at UNC Charlotte, and they are now parents of three daughters.1 Raised in Davidson County, he lives in neighboring Davie County.23 Away from politics, he enjoys hunting.2
A Baptist scholarship helped him attend UNC Charlotte, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government.23 His experience before Congress included constituent work for Ted Budd and a staff position with Richard Hudson.23 He also worked as a lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.4
First elected in 2024, McDowell entered the House in January 2025.25 He serves on the Budget, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.5 His legislative work includes sponsoring the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, aimed at combating illegal calls originating overseas.6 He also introduced legislation seeking reports on intelligence agencies' use of artificial intelligence with data collected under Section 702 of FISA.7
McDowell backs stronger border enforcement and protection of gun ownership rights.2 He advocates reducing regulation and expanding domestic production to stimulate economic growth, arguing that spending cuts alone cannot solve the national debt problem.1 He supports tariffs as negotiating leverage while saying they should not constitute an entire economic policy.1 He faces Democrat Cyril Jefferson in his bid for another term.82