Paul Barringer
Won the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary with 59.1% of the vote over two challengers.
Paul Barringer is the Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 13th Congressional District, an attorney and health care consultant with more than 20 years of experience working with state governments on Medicaid and public health programs.[3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Supports continued funding for Medicare and Medicaid, saying the market fails to cover seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities.[5]
“The reason we have programs like Medicare and Medicaid in the first place is because the market fails to cover the needs of seniors, low-income families, and those with disabilities. It's our responsibility to continue supporting these vital programs.”
- SupportsProtect legal access to abortion
Says the law should not stand in the way of a woman's health care decisions made with her doctor, while also supporting expanded maternal health, family planning, and adoption support.[5]
“The law should not be an impediment to a woman making the health care choices she needs to make with her doctor.”
- MixedStricter gun laws
Describes himself as a responsible gun owner who supports Second Amendment rights, while also supporting enforcement of existing gun laws and bipartisan measures to reduce gun violence.[5]
“I believe in the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms, and I also believe we can do more to keep our communities safe.”
- MixedExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Supports secure borders and enforcement against illegal crossings and trafficking, alongside modernizing the legal immigration system for workforce needs.[5]
“Border security is a basic function of government, and we need smart, effective enforcement to stop illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and exploitation. At the same time, we need to modernize our legal immigration system to meet workforce needs.”
- OpposesBroad tariffs on imported goods
Opposes broad tariffs, saying they function as a consumer tax that especially hurts farmers, small manufacturers, and rural communities.[5]
“Broad tariffs function like a tax on consumers, especially hurting farmers, small manufacturers, and rural communities who rely on affordable materials and access to international markets.”
- SupportsIncrease police funding and staffing
Supports law enforcement having the resources needed to do their jobs, alongside support for rehabilitation and re-entry programs.[5]
“I strongly support law enforcement and the vital role police officers play in keeping our communities safe. I believe in ensuring officers have the resources and respect they need to do their jobs.”
In their words — priorities
- Says he is running as an independent voice willing to stand up to any president or wealthy donors, rather than following party leadership.[4]
- Wants to lower health care costs and strengthen Medicaid oversight, drawing on his background working inside Medicaid and public health systems.[4]
- Wants to reduce federal spending waste and improve fiscal oversight while lowering health care and education costs.[4]
Background
- Earned a high school diploma from Episcopal High School, a bachelor's degree in American studies from Davidson College, a law degree from the University of North Carolina, and a master's degree in public affairs from Princeton University.[3]
- Career experience includes working as a healthcare consultant and lawyer, managing his family's tree farming operation, and developing a clothing brand called Mill & Mountain.[3]
- Says he worked for years in the prison system teaching literacy and helping formerly incarcerated people find employment after release.[4]
Campaign money
Raised $1.0M · spent $508K · $515K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗