David Rouzer

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David Rouzer
Official portrait, 2015
David Rouzer
BornDavid Cheston Rouzer
16 2, 1972
BirthplaceLandstuhl, West Germany
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician
Known forU.S. Representative for North Carolina's 7th congressional district
EducationNorth Carolina State University (BS)
Website[[rouzer.house.gov rouzer.house.gov] Official site]

David Cheston Rouzer (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell; born February 16, 1972) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 7th congressional district, a seat he has held since January 3, 2015.[1] A member of the Republican Party, Rouzer previously served in the North Carolina Senate, representing the 12th district — which encompassed Johnston County and Wayne County — from 2009 to 2013.[2] Born at a U.S. military installation in West Germany, Rouzer grew up in North Carolina and built a career in agriculture policy and Republican politics before entering elected office. In Congress, he has focused on issues including agriculture, transportation infrastructure, and veterans' affairs, and has served on committees related to these areas. His district encompasses a large portion of southeastern North Carolina, including the city of Wilmington and surrounding rural communities.

Early Life

David Cheston Rouzer was born on February 16, 1972, in Landstuhl, West Germany, where his family was stationed at a U.S. military installation.[3] He grew up in North Carolina, where he developed an interest in agriculture and public service. Rouzer's upbringing in a military family and rural North Carolina shaped many of the policy priorities he would later pursue in both state and federal government.[4]

Education

Rouzer attended North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.[2][3] His education at N.C. State, one of the state's leading research universities with strong programs in agriculture and life sciences, provided a foundation for his subsequent career in agriculture policy at both the state and federal levels.

Career

Early Career and Political Involvement

Before entering elected office, Rouzer was involved in agriculture policy and Republican politics in North Carolina. He worked in roles connected to agricultural issues, a field that remained central to his legislative agenda throughout his career.[4] His background in agriculture policy positioned him as a candidate attuned to the interests of the rural communities that made up a significant portion of his future constituencies.

North Carolina Senate (2009–2013)

Rouzer was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2008, representing the 12th district, which included Johnston County and Wayne County.[2] He succeeded Fred Smith in the seat and took office on January 1, 2009.[5] During his tenure in the state senate, Rouzer served on various committees and focused on issues related to agriculture, fiscal policy, and economic development.[6]

Rouzer served one full term in the North Carolina Senate before deciding to pursue a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was succeeded in the state senate by Ronald Rabin.[2]

2012 Congressional Campaign

In 2012, Rouzer ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina's 7th congressional district, challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre. The race was widely watched as one of the most competitive congressional contests in North Carolina during that election cycle. Rouzer secured the Republican nomination and mounted an aggressive campaign against McIntyre.[7]

The general election proved to be extremely close. The 7th district had been redrawn following the 2010 census, making it more favorable to Republican candidates than in prior cycles.[8] Despite the favorable redistricting, McIntyre narrowly defeated Rouzer in a contest that was one of the closest House races in the country that year.[9][10]

2014 Congressional Campaign and Election

Following his narrow 2012 defeat, Rouzer ran again for the 7th district seat in 2014. This time, McIntyre chose not to seek reelection, creating an open-seat race.[11] Rouzer won both the Republican primary and the general election, securing the seat and beginning his tenure in Congress on January 3, 2015.[1][12]

U.S. House of Representatives (2015–present)

Since taking office in January 2015, Rouzer has represented North Carolina's 7th congressional district, which encompasses a large swath of southeastern North Carolina. The district includes the city of Wilmington, one of the state's largest coastal cities, as well as extensive rural and agricultural areas stretching inland.[1]

Committee Assignments and Legislative Focus

In Congress, Rouzer has focused on a range of issues including agriculture, transportation and infrastructure, and military affairs. His committee assignments have reflected these priorities. He has been a member of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in Congress.[13]

Rouzer has sponsored and cosponsored legislation on a variety of topics during his time in Congress.[14]

Agriculture and Specialty Crops

Agriculture has remained a central focus of Rouzer's legislative work, reflecting the significant agricultural economy of his district. He has served as co-chair of the bipartisan Specialty Crops Caucus in the House of Representatives. In December 2025, Rouzer, along with Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), and other caucus co-chairs, urged fair and immediate relief for specialty crop producers across the country.[15] This bipartisan effort highlighted Rouzer's willingness to work across party lines on agricultural issues affecting producers in his district and nationwide.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Rouzer has been an active advocate for transportation and infrastructure improvements in southeastern North Carolina. In August 2025, he held a roundtable and press conference in Wilmington bringing together local, state, and federal officials to discuss transportation and infrastructure needs in the region.[16] The event underscored his focus on the transportation challenges facing his district, which includes major port facilities in Wilmington and road networks connecting rural communities to urban centers.

World War II Heritage Designation for Wilmington

In 2019, Rouzer was involved in legislative efforts that contributed to the city of Wilmington being among the first cities expected to be designated as a World War II Heritage City. The designation recognized Wilmington's significant contributions to the war effort, particularly its role in shipbuilding during the conflict.[17]

Commercial Driver's License Legislation

In October 2025, Rouzer introduced H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, legislation aimed at strengthening safety standards related to commercial driver's licenses. The bill was designed to address concerns about the integrity of the CDL licensing process and protect public safety on American roadways.[18]

Gibraltar Self-Determination Resolution

In February 2026, Rouzer introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives affirming Gibraltar's right to self-determination. The resolution addressed the long-standing question of Gibraltar's political status and its relationship with the United Kingdom and Spain.[19]

Appropriations Work

As part of his legislative duties, Rouzer has been involved in the annual appropriations process. In early 2026, he reported progress on completing appropriations bills, including the Financial Services appropriations bill, as part of the regular budgetary process in the House.[20]

Epstein Files Vote

In November 2025, Rouzer voted in favor of H.R. 4405, legislation related to the release of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. He issued a statement following the vote in support of the bill's passage.[21]

Military Service Academy Nominations

As a member of Congress, Rouzer annually nominates young people from his district to the United States military service academies, a traditional role for members of the House and Senate. In February 2026, he announced 28 nominations to U.S. military service academies for the upcoming class.[22] Earlier, in January 2026, his office announced a U.S. Service Academy Information Forum to provide information to prospective applicants and their families about the nomination and application process.[23]

Electoral History

Rouzer first ran for the U.S. House in 2012, narrowly losing to incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre in one of the closest congressional races in the country that cycle.[9][10] He ran again in 2014 in an open-seat contest after McIntyre's retirement and won the general election, taking office on January 3, 2015.[1] He has been reelected in subsequent election cycles, continuing to represent the 7th district.[12]

Personal Life

Rouzer was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, to a family connected to the U.S. military, and was raised in North Carolina.[3][4] He has maintained his residence in the state throughout his political career. His personal background, including his birth at a military installation overseas and his upbringing in rural North Carolina, has informed his legislative focus on veterans' issues and agricultural policy.

Recognition

Rouzer's involvement in the designation of Wilmington as one of the first World War II Heritage Cities was noted by local media as a significant achievement for the preservation of the city's wartime history.[17] His bipartisan work on the Specialty Crops Caucus has been recognized by agricultural stakeholders as an effort to address the needs of specialty crop producers across the United States.[15]

Through his annual military service academy nominations, Rouzer has facilitated opportunities for dozens of young people from southeastern North Carolina to pursue military education and careers.[22]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Member Profile: David Rouzer".United States Congress.https://www.congress.gov/member/david-rouzer/2256.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "David Rouzer Biography".Vote Smart.http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/102964/david-rouzer.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "ROUZER, David Cheston".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000603.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "About David Rouzer".David Rouzer Campaign.https://web.archive.org/web/20121012195836/http://www.davidrouzer.com/about-david-rouzer/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Race Detail - NC State Senate 12".Our Campaigns.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=435768.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Committee Assignments - David Rouzer".North Carolina General Assembly.http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/committeeAssignments.pl?nUserid=234&Chamber=S.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "North Carolina GOP Nominee Attacks Mike McIntyre in 7th District".Roll Call.http://atr.rollcall.com/north-carolina-gop-nominee-attacks-mike-mcintyre-in-7th-district.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "7th Congressional District Race".Star-News Online.2012-10-06.http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20121006/ARTICLES/121009753.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "North Carolina Election Results 2012".Clarity Elections.http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/36596/80787/en/md.html?cid=201020007.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "David Rouzer - Campaign 2012".The Wall Street Journal.http://projects.wsj.com/campaign2012/candidates/view/david-rouzer--NC-H.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Race Detail - NC District 07 2014".Our Campaigns.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=740235.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Candidate: David Rouzer".Federal Election Commission.https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H2NC07096.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Republican Study Committee".Republican Study Committee.https://rsc-walker.house.gov/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "David Rouzer - Sponsored Legislation".United States Congress.https://www.congress.gov/member/david-rouzer/R000603?q=%7B%22sponsorship%22:%22sponsored%22%7D.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Rouzer, Bipartisan Specialty Crops Caucus Urges Fair and Immediate Relief for Specialty Crop Producers".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2025-12-18.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=RDM7OGTCJFDZPH4ZPZEAZSOJM4.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Congressman Rouzer Brings Together Local, State, and Federal Officials to Discuss Transportation and Infrastructure".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2025-08-27.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=BU7IRBEOMN6DKQLTN3Q5UIDCKE.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "After bill passage, Wilmington expected to be among first designated WWII Heritage City".WECT.2019-03-12.https://www.wect.com/2019/03/12/after-bill-passage-wilmington-expected-be-among-first-designated-wwii-heritage-city/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Congressman Rouzer Introduces the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2025-10-08.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2587.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Congressman Rouzer Introduces Resolution Affirming Gibraltar's Right to Self-Determination".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2026-02-06.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2702.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Representative David Rouzer - Newsletter".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=IQUN6V2V7Y5LKRXHJOEBMB6XRA.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Congressman Rouzer Votes on Epstein Files Legislation".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2025-11-18.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=QQ6RHEUNXVONMX7YXG54M3DGE4.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Congressman Rouzer Announces 28 U.S. Military Service Academy Nominations".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2026-02-06.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2693.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Congressman Rouzer Announces U.S. Service Academy Information Forum".Office of U.S. Representative David Rouzer.2026-01-29.https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2684.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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