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| birth_place = Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S.
| birth_place = Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S.
| nationality = American
| nationality = American
| occupation = Politician, political consultant
| occupation = Politician, consultant
| known_for = Chair of the House Financial Services Committee; Speaker pro tempore of the U.S. House of Representatives (2023)
| known_for = Chair of the House Financial Services Committee; Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives (2023)
| education = Belmont Abbey College (B.A.)
| education = Belmont Abbey College (B.A.)
| awards =  
| awards =  
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}}
}}


Patrick Timothy McHenry (born October 22, 1975) is an American politician who served as the [[U.S. representative]] for [[North Carolina's 10th congressional district]] from 2005 to 2025. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], McHenry rose through the ranks of House Republican leadership to become one of the most influential figures in congressional financial policy, serving as chairman of the [[House Financial Services Committee]] from 2023 to 2025 and as the committee's ranking member from 2019 to 2023. He gained national attention in October 2023 when he was designated [[Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker pro tempore]] of the U.S. House of Representatives for 22 days following the unprecedented removal of Speaker [[Kevin McCarthy]] through a motion to vacate the chair. Before entering Congress, McHenry served one term in the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]. During his two decades in the U.S. House, he became recognized as a key Republican voice on matters of financial regulation, digital assets, and fintech innovation. He was the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, a distinction he shared with fellow Representative [[Virginia Foxx]].<ref>{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> After leaving Congress in January 2025, McHenry transitioned into the private sector, taking on advisory roles related to prediction markets and financial technology.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-13 |title=Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers |url=https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Patrick Timothy McHenry (born October 22, 1975) is an American politician who served as the [[U.S. representative]] for [[North Carolina's 10th congressional district]] from 2005 to 2025, a tenure spanning two decades in which he rose from a young backbencher to one of the most influential Republican voices on financial regulation in Congress. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], McHenry chaired the [[House Financial Services Committee]] from 2023 to 2025, during which time he shaped legislation on digital assets, financial technology, and market structure. He gained national attention in October 2023 when he was designated [[Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker pro tempore]] of the [[United States House of Representatives]] following the unprecedented removal of Speaker [[Kevin McCarthy]] through a motion to vacate the chair, serving in that role for 22 days until the election of [[Mike Johnson (Louisiana politician)|Mike Johnson]] as Speaker.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry looks back on three weeks in the hot seat |url=https://rollcall.com/2025/09/16/patrick-mchenry-looks-back-on-three-weeks-in-the-hot-seat/ |work=Roll Call |date=September 16, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Before his election to Congress, McHenry served one term in the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]. After leaving Congress in January 2025, he transitioned into the private sector, becoming involved in advocacy related to prediction markets and financial technology.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers |url=https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry |work=Axios |date=January 13, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Patrick Timothy McHenry was born on October 22, 1975, in Gastonia, North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in the western North Carolina region, an area characterized by its small-town communities and manufacturing-based economy. McHenry became involved in Republican politics at a young age, developing an interest in conservative governance and public policy during his formative years.
Patrick Timothy McHenry was born on October 22, 1975, in Gastonia, North Carolina.<ref name="bioguide">{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in the western North Carolina region, an area that would later form the core of the congressional district he represented for two decades. McHenry's early interest in politics and public affairs led him to become involved in Republican Party activities at a young age.


McHenry's early engagement with politics was notable for its intensity and precociousness. As a young man in North Carolina, he immersed himself in the organizational machinery of the Republican Party, gaining experience in campaign operations and political strategy. His involvement in Republican circles during the 1990s provided him with connections and institutional knowledge that would prove instrumental in his later political career.<ref name="wm">{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry profile |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704230015/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2005/0510.wallace-wells.html |publisher=Washington Monthly |date=2005-10 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Details of McHenry's childhood and family background in Gastonia placed him in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region characterized by its manufacturing heritage and conservative political leanings. The 10th congressional district, which he would later represent, included the communities of Hickory and Mooresville, along with portions of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area's exurbs.<ref name="bioguide" />


His early political activities included work on behalf of Republican candidates and causes in North Carolina. McHenry built a reputation within state party circles as an energetic and ambitious young operative, qualities that helped position him for his own eventual entry into electoral politics. His roots in western North Carolina would remain central to his political identity throughout his career, as he consistently represented communities in that part of the state during his time in both the state legislature and the U.S. Congress.
McHenry's involvement in politics began before he reached the age typically associated with elected officeholders. He became active in Republican political circles in North Carolina during his young adult years, building relationships and organizational experience that would serve as the foundation for his later campaigns for public office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry - Candidate Detail |url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=10402 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


McHenry attended [[Belmont Abbey College]], a small Catholic liberal arts institution located in Belmont, North Carolina, near Charlotte. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the college.<ref>{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Belmont Abbey College, founded by Benedictine monks in 1876, is known for its emphasis on Catholic intellectual tradition and liberal arts education. McHenry's time at the college coincided with his continued involvement in Republican politics in North Carolina.
McHenry attended [[Belmont Abbey College]], a small Catholic liberal arts college located in Belmont, North Carolina, near his hometown of Gastonia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the institution.<ref name="bioguide" /> Belmont Abbey College, founded by Benedictine monks in 1876, is situated in Gaston County and provided McHenry with an education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. His time at Belmont Abbey coincided with his growing involvement in North Carolina Republican politics.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== North Carolina House of Representatives ===
=== North Carolina House of Representatives ===


Before entering federal politics, McHenry served one term as a member of the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]. His tenure in the state legislature provided him with direct legislative experience and a platform from which to pursue higher office. During his time in Raleigh, McHenry participated in state-level policy debates and further established his credentials as a conservative Republican legislator.<ref>{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Before seeking federal office, McHenry served in the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]], where he represented a district in the western part of the state for one term.<ref name="bioguide" /> His tenure in the state legislature provided him with legislative experience and raised his profile among Republican voters in the region. The state legislative seat served as a stepping stone to his successful campaign for Congress.


His single term in the state House served primarily as a stepping stone to his successful campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. McHenry's ambition to serve at the federal level was apparent from early in his political career, and his state legislative service gave him the elected-office experience and name recognition necessary to mount a competitive congressional campaign.
=== Election to Congress ===


=== U.S. House of Representatives ===
McHenry was first elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 2004, representing North Carolina's 10th congressional district.<ref name="bioguide" /> The district, centered in the western Piedmont and foothills region of North Carolina, included the communities of Hickory and Mooresville among other areas. At the time of his election, McHenry was among the youngest members of the 109th Congress, having been elected at the age of 29.<ref name="congress">{{cite web |title=Representative Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.congress.gov/member/patrick-mchenry/1792 |publisher=Congress.gov |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


==== Election to Congress ====
McHenry won re-election consistently throughout his tenure, serving ten terms in Congress from January 2005 through January 2025.<ref name="congress" /> His electoral record reflected the solidly Republican composition of his district. Federal Election Commission records document his campaign activities and fundraising throughout his congressional career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry - Candidate |url=https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4NC10047 |publisher=Federal Election Commission |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


McHenry was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004, winning the seat for North Carolina's 10th congressional district. The district, located in the western part of the state, included communities such as Hickory and Mooresville.<ref>{{cite web |title=McHenry, Patrick T. |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> At the time of his election, McHenry was among the youngest members of the 109th Congress, taking office in January 2005 at the age of 29.
=== House Republican Leadership ===


McHenry won re-election repeatedly in subsequent cycles, holding the seat through multiple redistricting processes. His campaign finances were tracked by the Federal Election Commission under candidate ID H4NC10047.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry — Candidate Overview |url=https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4NC10047 |publisher=Federal Election Commission |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His electoral success in the reliably Republican district allowed him to focus considerable energy on building influence within the House Republican Conference and on committee work.
McHenry rose steadily through the ranks of the House Republican Conference over the course of his congressional career. From August 2014 to January 2019, he served as House Republican Chief Deputy Whip, a key leadership post responsible for counting votes and ensuring party discipline on legislative matters. In this role, he served under Speakers [[John Boehner]] and [[Paul Ryan]], succeeding Representative [[Peter Roskam]] in the position and being succeeded by Representative [[Drew Ferguson]].<ref name="bioguide" />


==== Rise in Republican Leadership ====
The chief deputy whip position placed McHenry at the center of Republican legislative strategy and gave him insight into the dynamics of the House Republican caucus. His work in this role built relationships across the conference and established him as a reliable figure in leadership circles.


McHenry's ascent within the House Republican leadership structure was steady and deliberate. On August 1, 2014, he was appointed House Republican chief deputy whip, serving under Speakers [[John Boehner]] and [[Paul Ryan]]. In this role, McHenry was responsible for helping count and secure votes on key legislation, serving as a crucial liaison between Republican leadership and the broader conference. He succeeded [[Peter Roskam]] in the position and served until January 3, 2019, when he was succeeded by [[Drew Ferguson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Member, Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.congress.gov/member/patrick-mchenry/1792 |publisher=Congress.gov |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
By the end of his career, McHenry had become the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, a distinction he shared with fellow Representative [[Virginia Foxx]], reflecting his seniority and longevity in representing the state in Congress.<ref name="congress" />


The chief deputy whip position placed McHenry at the center of House Republican legislative strategy during a tumultuous period that included internal party disputes over government funding, immigration policy, and the speakership itself. His ability to navigate these factional tensions contributed to his reputation as a pragmatic operator within the Republican Conference.
=== House Financial Services Committee ===


==== House Financial Services Committee ====
McHenry's most prominent legislative role was on the [[House Financial Services Committee]], where he served for much of his congressional career. From January 2019 to January 2023, he served as the ranking member of the committee, the top Republican on the panel, succeeding Representative [[Maxine Waters]] when she assumed the chairmanship under the Democratic majority.<ref name="congress" />


McHenry's most consequential committee assignment was his service on the [[House Financial Services Committee]], where he eventually became one of the most influential voices on financial regulation in Congress. When Democrats took control of the House in January 2019, McHenry assumed the position of ranking member of the committee, serving as the senior Republican on the panel opposite Chairwoman [[Maxine Waters]]. He held the ranking member position from January 3, 2019, to January 3, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member, Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.congress.gov/member/patrick-mchenry/1792 |publisher=Congress.gov |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
When Republicans regained the House majority following the 2022 midterm elections, McHenry ascended to the chairmanship of the Financial Services Committee in January 2023, succeeding Waters.<ref name="congress" /> As chair, McHenry oversaw the committee's jurisdiction over banking, insurance, housing, securities, and financial markets. He became a central figure in congressional efforts to develop a regulatory framework for digital assets and cryptocurrency, an area of growing legislative interest.


When Republicans regained the House majority following the 2022 midterm elections, McHenry ascended to the chairmanship of the Financial Services Committee on January 3, 2023. He succeeded Maxine Waters in the role and served as chairman until January 3, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member, Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.congress.gov/member/patrick-mchenry/1792 |publisher=Congress.gov |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> As chairman, McHenry oversaw the committee's jurisdiction over banking, insurance, securities, housing, and financial technology. He was succeeded as chairman by [[French Hill]] of Arkansas.
During his chairmanship, McHenry advanced legislation related to financial technology, market structure, and the regulation of digital assets. His work on the committee positioned him as one of the leading Republican voices on financial regulatory policy in Congress. He served as chair until January 2025, when he was succeeded by Representative [[French Hill]].<ref name="congress" />


During his time leading the Financial Services Committee, McHenry focused on issues related to digital assets, cryptocurrency regulation, and financial technology innovation. He championed legislation aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets and worked on bipartisan efforts to modernize the financial regulatory system. His committee work on these topics established him as one of the leading congressional figures in the emerging debate over how the federal government should regulate cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
=== Speaker Pro Tempore ===


==== Speaker Pro Tempore ====
On October 3, 2023, McHenry was thrust into one of the most unusual roles in modern congressional history when he was designated Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives. The designation came immediately following the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy through a motion to vacate the chair, an unprecedented event in American political history. As the first name on McCarthy's secret list of designated successors — a list required under House rules — McHenry assumed the role of presiding officer on a temporary basis.<ref name="rollcall">{{cite web |title=Patrick McHenry looks back on three weeks in the hot seat |url=https://rollcall.com/2025/09/16/patrick-mchenry-looks-back-on-three-weeks-in-the-hot-seat/ |work=Roll Call |date=September 16, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


McHenry's most prominent moment on the national political stage came on October 3, 2023, when he was designated Speaker pro tempore of the U.S. House of Representatives. This occurred following the historic removal of Speaker [[Kevin McCarthy]] through a motion to vacate the chair — the first successful such motion in the history of the House. McCarthy had placed McHenry's name on a secret list of designated successors, as required under House rules, to serve as Speaker pro tempore in the event that the Speaker's office became vacant.<ref name="rollcall">{{cite news |date=2025-09-16 |title=Patrick McHenry looks back on three weeks in the hot seat |url=https://rollcall.com/2025/09/16/patrick-mchenry-looks-back-on-three-weeks-in-the-hot-seat/ |work=Roll Call |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
McHenry served as Speaker pro tempore for 22 days, from October 3 to October 25, 2023, during which the House Republican Conference engaged in a contentious and prolonged process to select a new Speaker. During this period, the House was largely unable to conduct regular legislative business, as the Speaker pro tempore role carried limited authority compared to that of a full Speaker. The situation highlighted tensions within the Republican caucus and drew significant national media attention.<ref name="rollcall" />


McHenry served in this extraordinary role for 22 days, from October 3 to October 25, 2023, when [[Mike Johnson]] was elected as the new Speaker of the House. The period of McHenry's service as Speaker pro tempore was marked by intense negotiations among House Republicans over who should succeed McCarthy. Multiple candidates for Speaker were nominated and failed to secure the necessary majority of votes on the House floor before Johnson ultimately prevailed.
McHenry's handling of the role drew both praise and scrutiny. He presided over a chamber in a state of institutional uncertainty, navigating the procedural complexities of operating without a fully empowered Speaker. The episode concluded on October 25, 2023, when Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected Speaker of the House, allowing McHenry to return to his role as chair of the Financial Services Committee.<ref name="rollcall" />


The role of Speaker pro tempore during a vacancy is constitutionally and procedurally distinct from the full speakership. McHenry presided over the House chamber during this interim period but the scope of his authority was a matter of debate. Some members argued that the Speaker pro tempore should exercise the full powers of the Speaker, while others contended that the role was limited to presiding over the election of a new Speaker. McHenry generally adopted a restrained interpretation of his authority during this period.<ref name="rollcall" />
In September 2025, months after leaving Congress, McHenry returned to the Capitol to claim an award and reflected publicly on his experience during the speakership crisis. In an interview with Roll Call, he discussed the chaos and resilience of the legislative process during those 22 days, offering perspective on the institutional challenges the House faced during the period.<ref name="rollcall" />


In September 2025, McHenry returned to the Capitol to accept an award and reflected publicly on his experience serving as Speaker pro tempore. He described the period as one characterized by both chaos and resilience within the legislative process.<ref name="rollcall" />
=== Retirement from Congress ===


==== Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus ====
McHenry announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024, concluding a 20-year career in the House of Representatives. He served his final term through January 2025, continuing to chair the Financial Services Committee until the end of the 118th Congress.<ref name="congress" />
 
McHenry was also involved in the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, which focused on modernizing the nation's emergency communications infrastructure. The caucus advocated for the transition from legacy 9-1-1 systems to next-generation technology capable of handling text, data, and video communications from the public to emergency services.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus |url=http://www.ng911institute.org/about-the-congressional-nextgen-9-1-1-caucus |publisher=NG911 Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
==== Republican Study Committee ====
 
During his time in Congress, McHenry was associated with the [[Republican Study Committee]], the largest caucus of conservative Republicans in the House. The RSC has historically served as an organizational vehicle for advancing conservative policy priorities within the House Republican Conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=Republican Study Committee |url=https://rsc-walker.house.gov/ |publisher=Republican Study Committee |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
==== Decision Not to Seek Re-election ====
 
McHenry announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024, bringing his congressional career to a close after ten terms. He departed Congress on January 3, 2025, having served for two decades in the U.S. House of Representatives. His departure marked the end of a career that had seen him rise from one of the youngest members of Congress to the chairman of one of its most powerful committees.


=== Post-Congressional Career ===
=== Post-Congressional Career ===


After leaving Congress, McHenry transitioned into roles in the private sector, particularly in areas related to financial technology and prediction markets. In January 2026, the Coalition for Prediction Markets (CPM), a bipartisan coalition focused on preserving access to prediction markets, announced that McHenry would serve as chairman and senior advisor. Former Democratic Representative [[Sean Patrick Maloney]] was named as the organization's CEO and president.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Coalition for Prediction Markets Names Former U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney as CEO and President and Chairman Patrick McHenry as Senior Advisor |date=2026-01-13 |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-coalition-for-prediction-markets-names-former-us-congressman-sean-patrick-maloney-as-ceo-and-president-and-chairman-patrick-mchenry-as-senior-advisor-302659139.html |work=PR Newswire |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
After leaving Congress in January 2025, McHenry transitioned into the private sector, leveraging his expertise in financial regulation and technology policy. He became involved in advocacy and advisory work related to emerging financial markets, particularly prediction markets and financial technology.


The coalition's stated goal was to ensure that federal law, rather than a patchwork of state regulations, would govern the prediction markets industry.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-13 |title=Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers |url=https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The bipartisan nature of the organization, pairing a former Republican committee chairman with a former Democratic member, reflected the cross-party interest in prediction market regulation.
In January 2026, the Coalition for Prediction Markets (CPM), described as a bipartisan coalition dedicated to preserving fair and transparent access to prediction markets, announced that McHenry would serve as chairman and senior advisor. The organization simultaneously named former Democratic Representative [[Sean Patrick Maloney]] as its CEO and president, giving the coalition a bipartisan leadership structure.<ref name="cpm">{{cite web |title=The Coalition for Prediction Markets Names Former U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney as CEO and President and Chairman Patrick McHenry as Senior Advisor |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-coalition-for-prediction-markets-names-former-us-congressman-sean-patrick-maloney-as-ceo-and-president-and-chairman-patrick-mchenry-as-senior-advisor-302659139.html |publisher=PR Newswire |date=January 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


McHenry's involvement with prediction markets drew attention given his prior role overseeing financial regulation as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. In February 2026, he and Maloney spoke publicly about the rapidly expanding prediction markets sector, discussing the regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-11 |title=Former lawmakers turn their attention to rapidly expanding prediction markets |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2026/02/11/prediction-market-kalshi-polymarket-mchenry |work=Spectrum News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The coalition's stated goal was to ensure that federal law, rather than state regulations, would govern the prediction markets industry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers |url=https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry |work=Axios |date=January 13, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> McHenry and Maloney both spoke publicly about the rapidly expanding prediction markets sector, discussing the regulatory and policy landscape with media outlets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former lawmakers turn their attention to rapidly expanding prediction markets |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2026/02/11/prediction-market-kalshi-polymarket-mchenry |publisher=Spectrum News |date=February 11, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His post-congressional activities also included media commentary on legislative matters. In January 2026, McHenry appeared on Bloomberg to discuss government funding negotiations in the House of Representatives and the nomination of Kevin Warsh.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-31 |title=Watch Patrick McHenry on Govt. Funding Vote, Kevin Warsh |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-31/patrick-mchenry-on-govt-funding-vote-kevin-warsh-video |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He was also interviewed by Politico for its Digital Future Daily newsletter, answering questions about technology and financial policy.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-16 |title=5 Questions for Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/digital-future-daily/2026/01/16/5-questions-for-patrick-mchenry-00733800 |work=Politico |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
McHenry also maintained a public profile as a commentator on congressional affairs and financial policy. In January 2026, he was interviewed by Politico for its "Digital Future Daily" newsletter, discussing technology policy and related issues.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 Questions for Patrick McHenry |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/digital-future-daily/2026/01/16/5-questions-for-patrick-mchenry-00733800 |work=Politico |date=January 16, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He also appeared on Bloomberg to discuss government funding votes and other congressional matters, drawing on his experience as a former senior legislator.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch Patrick McHenry on Govt. Funding Vote, Kevin Warsh |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-31/patrick-mchenry-on-govt-funding-vote-kevin-warsh-video |publisher=Bloomberg |date=January 31, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


McHenry's transition from Congress to the prediction markets industry prompted scrutiny from some observers. The American Prospect reported on his post-congressional advisory work, noting the proximity between his former regulatory responsibilities and his new private-sector role in the cryptocurrency and financial technology space.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-05-07 |title=Senior Advisor McHenry at Your Crypto Service |url=https://prospect.org/2025/05/07/2025-05-07-senior-advisor-mchenry-at-your-crypto-service |work=The American Prospect |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
McHenry's transition from Congress to the prediction markets industry drew attention from observers who tracked the movement of former lawmakers into private-sector roles related to their former areas of legislative responsibility. The American Prospect published an article in May 2025 examining McHenry's post-congressional activities in relation to the cryptocurrency and digital assets sectors, noting his role as an advisor in the space.<ref>{{cite web |title=Senior Advisor McHenry at Your Crypto Service |url=https://prospect.org/2025/05/07/2025-05-07-senior-advisor-mchenry-at-your-crypto-service/ |work=The American Prospect |date=May 7, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


McHenry has maintained his residence in western North Carolina throughout his political career, maintaining close ties to the communities he represented in Congress. His personal life has remained relatively private compared to his public political activities.
Patrick McHenry was born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, and maintained his residence in the western North Carolina region throughout his congressional career.<ref name="bioguide" /> He represented a district rooted in the Piedmont and foothills communities of the state, an area he knew from childhood.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


In September 2025, McHenry returned to the U.S. Capitol to receive an award recognizing his service. The occasion also provided an opportunity for him to reflect publicly on his experience as Speaker pro tempore, a role he described in terms of the challenges and institutional resilience it demonstrated.<ref name="rollcall" />
In September 2025, McHenry returned to the United States Capitol to receive an award, the specifics of which were reported in connection with his reflections on his time as Speaker pro tempore. The occasion provided an opportunity for McHenry to discuss his congressional career and the events of October 2023 with reporters and former colleagues.<ref name="rollcall" />


During his time in Congress, McHenry's work on the House Financial Services Committee earned him recognition as one of the leading Republican voices on financial regulation and digital asset policy. His chairmanship of the committee from 2023 to 2025 represented the culmination of years of work on financial services issues, and his legislative efforts on cryptocurrency and fintech regulation were noted by industry observers and media outlets.
During his time in Congress, McHenry's work on the House Financial Services Committee earned him a reputation as one of the Republican Party's leading figures on financial regulation and technology policy. His chairmanship of the committee during the 118th Congress (2023–2025) represented the culmination of years of work on the panel, including his service as ranking member during the 116th and 117th Congresses.<ref name="congress" />


McHenry's tenure as dean of the North Carolina congressional delegation, a title he shared with Representative Virginia Foxx, reflected his longevity and seniority within the state's representation in Washington.
McHenry's role as Speaker pro tempore, while brief, represented a historically notable moment. He was the first person to hold that designation under the circumstances of a Speaker's removal through a motion to vacate, a procedural mechanism that had not been successfully invoked since 1910 and had never previously resulted in the actual removal of a sitting Speaker.<ref name="rollcall" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Patrick McHenry's two-decade tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives encompassed a period of significant transformation in American financial regulation and congressional politics. His career arc — from one of the youngest members of the 109th Congress to chairman of the House Financial Services Committee — illustrated the path of an ambitious Republican lawmaker who built influence through committee work and leadership service.
McHenry's two-decade career in the House of Representatives left a mark on several areas of legislative policy, most notably in the realm of financial services regulation and the emerging framework for digital assets. As the chair and ranking member of the Financial Services Committee, he was involved in shaping the congressional approach to cryptocurrency regulation, fintech innovation, and market structure reform during a period of rapid technological change in the financial industry.
 
His 22-day service as Speaker pro tempore in October 2023 placed him at the center of one of the most unusual episodes in the modern history of the House. The removal of a sitting Speaker through a motion to vacate had not occurred before in the institution's history, and McHenry's role in managing the transition period drew attention to questions about the powers and limitations of the Speaker pro tempore designation. His restrained approach to the role was noted by congressional observers.<ref name="rollcall" />


On the Financial Services Committee, McHenry's work on digital asset regulation represented an effort to bring legislative clarity to a rapidly evolving sector of the financial industry. His bipartisan engagement on cryptocurrency and fintech issues during his chairmanship laid groundwork for ongoing congressional debates about the regulation of digital assets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance.
His 22-day tenure as Speaker pro tempore in October 2023 remains one of the most unusual episodes in modern House history. The removal of Speaker McCarthy and the subsequent leadership vacuum tested the institutional resilience of the House, and McHenry's role in presiding over the chamber during that period became a subject of historical and political analysis. In his own reflections on the experience, delivered upon his return to the Capitol in September 2025, McHenry spoke about the themes of chaos and resilience in the legislative process.<ref name="rollcall" />


McHenry's post-congressional career in the prediction markets space continued his focus on financial innovation and regulatory frameworks. His partnership with former Democratic Representative Sean Patrick Maloney in the Coalition for Prediction Markets reflected a bipartisan approach to emerging financial technology issues that had characterized some of his committee work in Congress.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-13 |title=Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers |url=https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
McHenry's post-congressional career in the prediction markets and financial technology sectors reflected broader trends in the movement of former lawmakers into advocacy and advisory roles in industries they previously regulated. His bipartisan partnership with former Democratic Representative Sean Patrick Maloney at the Coalition for Prediction Markets illustrated the cross-party nature of certain financial technology policy debates.<ref name="cpm" />


His departure from Congress after ten terms marked the end of an era for western North Carolina's representation in Washington and for the House Financial Services Committee, where his focus on modernizing financial regulation had shaped the panel's agenda during a period of rapid technological change in the financial industry.
As the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation at the time of his retirement, McHenry's departure from Congress marked the end of an era for the state's representation in Washington. His long tenure in the 10th congressional district, which he represented from its pre-redistricting configuration through multiple boundary changes, reflected both his personal electoral strength and the consistently Republican character of the western North Carolina region he called home.<ref name="congress" />


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== References ==
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Latest revision as of 18:19, 24 February 2026




Patrick McHenry
Official portrait, 2018
Patrick McHenry
BornPatrick Timothy McHenry
22 10, 1975
BirthplaceGastonia, North Carolina, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, consultant
Known forChair of the House Financial Services Committee; Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives (2023)
EducationBelmont Abbey College (B.A.)

Patrick Timothy McHenry (born October 22, 1975) is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 10th congressional district from 2005 to 2025, a tenure spanning two decades in which he rose from a young backbencher to one of the most influential Republican voices on financial regulation in Congress. A member of the Republican Party, McHenry chaired the House Financial Services Committee from 2023 to 2025, during which time he shaped legislation on digital assets, financial technology, and market structure. He gained national attention in October 2023 when he was designated Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives following the unprecedented removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy through a motion to vacate the chair, serving in that role for 22 days until the election of Mike Johnson as Speaker.[1] Before his election to Congress, McHenry served one term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. After leaving Congress in January 2025, he transitioned into the private sector, becoming involved in advocacy related to prediction markets and financial technology.[2]

Early Life

Patrick Timothy McHenry was born on October 22, 1975, in Gastonia, North Carolina.[3] He grew up in the western North Carolina region, an area that would later form the core of the congressional district he represented for two decades. McHenry's early interest in politics and public affairs led him to become involved in Republican Party activities at a young age.

Details of McHenry's childhood and family background in Gastonia placed him in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region characterized by its manufacturing heritage and conservative political leanings. The 10th congressional district, which he would later represent, included the communities of Hickory and Mooresville, along with portions of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area's exurbs.[3]

McHenry's involvement in politics began before he reached the age typically associated with elected officeholders. He became active in Republican political circles in North Carolina during his young adult years, building relationships and organizational experience that would serve as the foundation for his later campaigns for public office.[4]

Education

McHenry attended Belmont Abbey College, a small Catholic liberal arts college located in Belmont, North Carolina, near his hometown of Gastonia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the institution.[3] Belmont Abbey College, founded by Benedictine monks in 1876, is situated in Gaston County and provided McHenry with an education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. His time at Belmont Abbey coincided with his growing involvement in North Carolina Republican politics.

Career

North Carolina House of Representatives

Before seeking federal office, McHenry served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he represented a district in the western part of the state for one term.[3] His tenure in the state legislature provided him with legislative experience and raised his profile among Republican voters in the region. The state legislative seat served as a stepping stone to his successful campaign for Congress.

Election to Congress

McHenry was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004, representing North Carolina's 10th congressional district.[3] The district, centered in the western Piedmont and foothills region of North Carolina, included the communities of Hickory and Mooresville among other areas. At the time of his election, McHenry was among the youngest members of the 109th Congress, having been elected at the age of 29.[5]

McHenry won re-election consistently throughout his tenure, serving ten terms in Congress from January 2005 through January 2025.[5] His electoral record reflected the solidly Republican composition of his district. Federal Election Commission records document his campaign activities and fundraising throughout his congressional career.[6]

House Republican Leadership

McHenry rose steadily through the ranks of the House Republican Conference over the course of his congressional career. From August 2014 to January 2019, he served as House Republican Chief Deputy Whip, a key leadership post responsible for counting votes and ensuring party discipline on legislative matters. In this role, he served under Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, succeeding Representative Peter Roskam in the position and being succeeded by Representative Drew Ferguson.[3]

The chief deputy whip position placed McHenry at the center of Republican legislative strategy and gave him insight into the dynamics of the House Republican caucus. His work in this role built relationships across the conference and established him as a reliable figure in leadership circles.

By the end of his career, McHenry had become the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, a distinction he shared with fellow Representative Virginia Foxx, reflecting his seniority and longevity in representing the state in Congress.[5]

House Financial Services Committee

McHenry's most prominent legislative role was on the House Financial Services Committee, where he served for much of his congressional career. From January 2019 to January 2023, he served as the ranking member of the committee, the top Republican on the panel, succeeding Representative Maxine Waters when she assumed the chairmanship under the Democratic majority.[5]

When Republicans regained the House majority following the 2022 midterm elections, McHenry ascended to the chairmanship of the Financial Services Committee in January 2023, succeeding Waters.[5] As chair, McHenry oversaw the committee's jurisdiction over banking, insurance, housing, securities, and financial markets. He became a central figure in congressional efforts to develop a regulatory framework for digital assets and cryptocurrency, an area of growing legislative interest.

During his chairmanship, McHenry advanced legislation related to financial technology, market structure, and the regulation of digital assets. His work on the committee positioned him as one of the leading Republican voices on financial regulatory policy in Congress. He served as chair until January 2025, when he was succeeded by Representative French Hill.[5]

Speaker Pro Tempore

On October 3, 2023, McHenry was thrust into one of the most unusual roles in modern congressional history when he was designated Speaker pro tempore of the United States House of Representatives. The designation came immediately following the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy through a motion to vacate the chair, an unprecedented event in American political history. As the first name on McCarthy's secret list of designated successors — a list required under House rules — McHenry assumed the role of presiding officer on a temporary basis.[7]

McHenry served as Speaker pro tempore for 22 days, from October 3 to October 25, 2023, during which the House Republican Conference engaged in a contentious and prolonged process to select a new Speaker. During this period, the House was largely unable to conduct regular legislative business, as the Speaker pro tempore role carried limited authority compared to that of a full Speaker. The situation highlighted tensions within the Republican caucus and drew significant national media attention.[7]

McHenry's handling of the role drew both praise and scrutiny. He presided over a chamber in a state of institutional uncertainty, navigating the procedural complexities of operating without a fully empowered Speaker. The episode concluded on October 25, 2023, when Mike Johnson of Louisiana was elected Speaker of the House, allowing McHenry to return to his role as chair of the Financial Services Committee.[7]

In September 2025, months after leaving Congress, McHenry returned to the Capitol to claim an award and reflected publicly on his experience during the speakership crisis. In an interview with Roll Call, he discussed the chaos and resilience of the legislative process during those 22 days, offering perspective on the institutional challenges the House faced during the period.[7]

Retirement from Congress

McHenry announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024, concluding a 20-year career in the House of Representatives. He served his final term through January 2025, continuing to chair the Financial Services Committee until the end of the 118th Congress.[5]

Post-Congressional Career

After leaving Congress in January 2025, McHenry transitioned into the private sector, leveraging his expertise in financial regulation and technology policy. He became involved in advocacy and advisory work related to emerging financial markets, particularly prediction markets and financial technology.

In January 2026, the Coalition for Prediction Markets (CPM), described as a bipartisan coalition dedicated to preserving fair and transparent access to prediction markets, announced that McHenry would serve as chairman and senior advisor. The organization simultaneously named former Democratic Representative Sean Patrick Maloney as its CEO and president, giving the coalition a bipartisan leadership structure.[8]

The coalition's stated goal was to ensure that federal law, rather than state regulations, would govern the prediction markets industry.[9] McHenry and Maloney both spoke publicly about the rapidly expanding prediction markets sector, discussing the regulatory and policy landscape with media outlets.[10]

McHenry also maintained a public profile as a commentator on congressional affairs and financial policy. In January 2026, he was interviewed by Politico for its "Digital Future Daily" newsletter, discussing technology policy and related issues.[11] He also appeared on Bloomberg to discuss government funding votes and other congressional matters, drawing on his experience as a former senior legislator.[12]

McHenry's transition from Congress to the prediction markets industry drew attention from observers who tracked the movement of former lawmakers into private-sector roles related to their former areas of legislative responsibility. The American Prospect published an article in May 2025 examining McHenry's post-congressional activities in relation to the cryptocurrency and digital assets sectors, noting his role as an advisor in the space.[13]

Personal Life

Patrick McHenry was born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, and maintained his residence in the western North Carolina region throughout his congressional career.[3] He represented a district rooted in the Piedmont and foothills communities of the state, an area he knew from childhood.

Recognition

In September 2025, McHenry returned to the United States Capitol to receive an award, the specifics of which were reported in connection with his reflections on his time as Speaker pro tempore. The occasion provided an opportunity for McHenry to discuss his congressional career and the events of October 2023 with reporters and former colleagues.[7]

During his time in Congress, McHenry's work on the House Financial Services Committee earned him a reputation as one of the Republican Party's leading figures on financial regulation and technology policy. His chairmanship of the committee during the 118th Congress (2023–2025) represented the culmination of years of work on the panel, including his service as ranking member during the 116th and 117th Congresses.[5]

McHenry's role as Speaker pro tempore, while brief, represented a historically notable moment. He was the first person to hold that designation under the circumstances of a Speaker's removal through a motion to vacate, a procedural mechanism that had not been successfully invoked since 1910 and had never previously resulted in the actual removal of a sitting Speaker.[7]

Legacy

McHenry's two-decade career in the House of Representatives left a mark on several areas of legislative policy, most notably in the realm of financial services regulation and the emerging framework for digital assets. As the chair and ranking member of the Financial Services Committee, he was involved in shaping the congressional approach to cryptocurrency regulation, fintech innovation, and market structure reform during a period of rapid technological change in the financial industry.

His 22-day tenure as Speaker pro tempore in October 2023 remains one of the most unusual episodes in modern House history. The removal of Speaker McCarthy and the subsequent leadership vacuum tested the institutional resilience of the House, and McHenry's role in presiding over the chamber during that period became a subject of historical and political analysis. In his own reflections on the experience, delivered upon his return to the Capitol in September 2025, McHenry spoke about the themes of chaos and resilience in the legislative process.[7]

McHenry's post-congressional career in the prediction markets and financial technology sectors reflected broader trends in the movement of former lawmakers into advocacy and advisory roles in industries they previously regulated. His bipartisan partnership with former Democratic Representative Sean Patrick Maloney at the Coalition for Prediction Markets illustrated the cross-party nature of certain financial technology policy debates.[8]

As the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation at the time of his retirement, McHenry's departure from Congress marked the end of an era for the state's representation in Washington. His long tenure in the 10th congressional district, which he represented from its pre-redistricting configuration through multiple boundary changes, reflected both his personal electoral strength and the consistently Republican character of the western North Carolina region he called home.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Patrick McHenry looks back on three weeks in the hot seat".Roll Call.September 16, 2025.https://rollcall.com/2025/09/16/patrick-mchenry-looks-back-on-three-weeks-in-the-hot-seat/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers".Axios.January 13, 2026.https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "McHenry, Patrick T.".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001156.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Patrick McHenry - Candidate Detail".Our Campaigns.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=10402.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 "Representative Patrick McHenry".Congress.gov.https://www.congress.gov/member/patrick-mchenry/1792.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Patrick McHenry - Candidate".Federal Election Commission.https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4NC10047.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Patrick McHenry looks back on three weeks in the hot seat".Roll Call.September 16, 2025.https://rollcall.com/2025/09/16/patrick-mchenry-looks-back-on-three-weeks-in-the-hot-seat/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "The Coalition for Prediction Markets Names Former U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney as CEO and President and Chairman Patrick McHenry as Senior Advisor".PR Newswire.January 2026.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-coalition-for-prediction-markets-names-former-us-congressman-sean-patrick-maloney-as-ceo-and-president-and-chairman-patrick-mchenry-as-senior-advisor-302659139.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Prediction markets group bets on two connected former lawmakers".Axios.January 13, 2026.https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/coalition-for-prediction-markets-maloney-mchenry.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Former lawmakers turn their attention to rapidly expanding prediction markets".Spectrum News.February 11, 2026.https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2026/02/11/prediction-market-kalshi-polymarket-mchenry.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "5 Questions for Patrick McHenry".Politico.January 16, 2026.https://www.politico.com/newsletters/digital-future-daily/2026/01/16/5-questions-for-patrick-mchenry-00733800.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Watch Patrick McHenry on Govt. Funding Vote, Kevin Warsh".Bloomberg.January 31, 2026.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-31/patrick-mchenry-on-govt-funding-vote-kevin-warsh-video.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Senior Advisor McHenry at Your Crypto Service".The American Prospect.May 7, 2025.https://prospect.org/2025/05/07/2025-05-07-senior-advisor-mchenry-at-your-crypto-service/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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