Addison McDowell

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Addison McDowell
BornAddison Parker McDowell
21 01, 1994
BirthplaceWhiteville, North Carolina, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, lobbyist
Known forU.S. Representative for North Carolina's 6th congressional district
EducationUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte (BA)
Spouse(s)Rachel McDowell
Children2
Website[[mcdowell.house.gov mcdowell.house.gov] Official site]

Addison Parker McDowell (born January 21, 1994) is an American politician and lobbyist serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 6th congressional district since January 3, 2025. A member of the Republican Party, McDowell was first elected in the 2024 election, succeeding Democrat Kathy Manning. Born in Whiteville, North Carolina, McDowell worked as a lobbyist before entering electoral politics. He secured the Republican nomination in a competitive primary contest that included former U.S. Representative Mark Walker, and went on to win the general election in a district that had been redrawn following redistricting. Since taking office in the 119th United States Congress, McDowell has served as Vice Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has focused on legislation related to cybersecurity, opioid and fentanyl policy, and federal law enforcement cooperation.[1][2] At the time of his election, McDowell was among the youngest members of the 119th Congress.

Early Life

Addison Parker McDowell was born on January 21, 1994, in Whiteville, a small city in Columbus County in southeastern North Carolina.[3][4] Details about McDowell's parents and upbringing in Columbus County have not been extensively documented in public reporting. He grew up in the rural eastern part of the state before pursuing higher education at a university in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Education

McDowell attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[3][4] The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university and part of the University of North Carolina system.

Career

Lobbying Career

Prior to entering electoral politics, McDowell worked as a lobbyist.[5] His professional background in lobbying and government affairs provided him with experience navigating the legislative process, which he later drew upon during his congressional campaign.

2024 Congressional Campaign

Republican Primary

McDowell entered the 2024 Republican primary race for North Carolina's 6th congressional district, which had been significantly redrawn during the redistricting process. The seat had previously been held by Democratic incumbent Kathy Manning, who did not seek re-election in the reconfigured district. The Republican primary field was competitive and included former U.S. Representative Mark Walker, who had previously represented a version of the 6th district before it was redrawn in earlier redistricting cycles.[6]

A central dynamic in the primary was the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Trump's endorsement played a significant role in the race, boosting McDowell's profile among Republican primary voters.[7][8] Mark Walker, who had initially sought to reclaim a congressional seat, eventually ended his bid and joined Trump's campaign operation.[6]

In the March 5, 2024, Republican primary, McDowell led the field of candidates. Despite Walker's desire for a runoff election, McDowell's margin of victory was sufficient to secure the nomination outright without the need for a second round of voting.[9][10] The primary results demonstrated McDowell's strength as a candidate in the newly drawn district, where the Republican voter registration advantage favored the party's nominee in the general election.[11]

General Election

Following his primary victory, McDowell advanced to the November 5, 2024, general election as the Republican nominee for North Carolina's 6th congressional district. The district's political composition, following redistricting, was considered favorable to Republican candidates. McDowell won the general election decisively, securing his seat in the 119th United States Congress.[12][13]

U.S. House of Representatives (2025–present)

Committee Assignments

Upon taking office on January 3, 2025, McDowell was assigned to congressional committees. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee under the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.[14] In this role, McDowell has participated in hearings on the Coast Guard's law enforcement efforts and has advocated for enhanced maritime security capabilities.[14]

Legislative Initiatives

During his first term in Congress, McDowell has introduced several pieces of legislation spanning cybersecurity, drug enforcement, and community investment.

MTS CYBER Act: McDowell introduced the MTS CYBER Act, legislation designed to enhance the Coast Guard's cybersecurity resources and capabilities. The bill addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks on maritime transportation systems and seeks to provide the Coast Guard with additional tools and funding to protect critical maritime infrastructure.[15]

Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances Act: McDowell introduced H.R. 7184, the Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances Act. This legislation targets the equipment and materials used in the production of synthetic drugs, reflecting McDowell's focus on combating the opioid and fentanyl crisis.[16]

Policy Positions and Advocacy

Opioid and Fentanyl Policy: McDowell has been active in addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis. He participated in a discussion with Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) hosted by The Ripon Society focused on their leadership in Congress on opioid and fentanyl policy.[17] This bipartisan engagement reflected efforts by younger members of Congress to find common ground on drug enforcement and public health issues.

Federal Law Enforcement Cooperation: Following a tragedy in Minneapolis on January 24, 2025, McDowell called for increased cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies, advocating for local jurisdictions to work more closely with federal authorities.[18]

Immigration Enforcement: McDowell has commented publicly on ICE enforcement actions. In a report by The Assembly NC, McDowell was quoted responding to instances where ICE detained Native Americans, characterizing immigration enforcement as "not a perfect process." The remarks drew attention as part of a broader debate about the scope and accuracy of immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration.[19]

Second Amendment: McDowell has expressed support for Second Amendment rights. In a Q&A profile with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry trade association, McDowell discussed his views on gun policy and the firearm industry.[20]

Community Investment

McDowell announced nearly $5 million in funding for community projects in North Carolina's 6th congressional district. The investment targeted various local projects across the district, reflecting McDowell's efforts to direct federal resources to his constituents.[21]

Personal Life

Addison McDowell is married to Rachel McDowell. The couple has two children.[3] McDowell resides in the area of North Carolina's 6th congressional district. He has maintained an official congressional website at mcdowell.house.gov, and his campaign website is mcdowellfornc.com.[22][23]

References

  1. ↑ "Vice Chairman McDowell Statement from Hearing on the Coast Guard's Law Enforcement Effort".House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409258.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Congressmen Gabe Amo & Addison McDowell".The Ripon Society.https://riponsociety.org/events/congressmen-gabe-amo-addison-mcdowell/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Addison Parker McDowell".LegiStorm.https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/260357/Addison_Parker_McDowell.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "McDowell, Addison Parker".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M001240.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "NC's 6th US House District: Addison McDowell".FOX8 WGHP.https://myfox8.com/news/ncs-6th-us-house-district-addison-mcdowell/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Mark Walker ends bid for Congress, joins Trump's campaign".WRAL.https://www.wral.com/story/mark-walker-ends-bid-for-congress-joins-trump-s-campaign/21327307/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "North Carolina Congress election: Donald Trump endorsement".Associated Press.https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-congress-election-donald-trump-endorsement-b75aa28ecc72a3568fb3169036e184f8.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "6th District House Race Trump".The Assembly NC.http://www.theassemblync.com/politics/elections/6th-district-house-race-trump/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "McDowell leads 6th District primary, but Walker wants a runoff".WUNC.2024-03-06.https://www.wunc.org/2024-03-06/mcdowell-leads-6th-district-primary-but-walker-wants-a-runoff.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "North Carolina State Board of Elections — March 5, 2024 Primary Results".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=03/05/2024&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=0.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "NC 6th District race".The News & Observer.https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article284529755.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Race call: McDowell wins North Carolina U.S. House district".Associated Press.https://apnews.com/article/race-call-mcdowell-wins-north-carolina-u-s-house-district-31c1f419103148dc895a8f10fa269a9a.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "North Carolina State Board of Elections — November 5, 2024 General Election Results".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/05/2024&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=0.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Vice Chairman McDowell Statement from Hearing on the Coast Guard's Law Enforcement Effort".House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409258.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Press Release: Congressman Addison McDowell Introduces MTS CYBER Act to Enhance Coast Guard Cybersecurity Resources".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Congressman+Addison+McDowell+Introduces+MTS+CYBER+Act+to+Enhance+Coast+Guard+Cybersecurity+Resources.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "New Bill: Representative Addison McDowell introduces H.R. 7184: Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances Act".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/New+Bill%3A+Representative+Addison+McDowell+introduces+H.R.+7184%3A+Preventing+Rogue+Equipment+for+Synthetic+Substances+Act.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Congressmen Gabe Amo & Addison McDowell".The Ripon Society.https://riponsociety.org/events/congressmen-gabe-amo-addison-mcdowell/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Press Release: Congressman Addison McDowell Advocates for Federal Law Enforcement Cooperation After Minneapolis Incident".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Congressman+Addison+McDowell+Advocates+for+Federal+Law+Enforcement+Cooperation+After+Minneapolis+Incident.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "ICE Has Detained Some Native Americans. N.C. Republican Says 'There Will be Mistakes.'".The Assembly NC.https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/ice-detained-native-americans-addison-mcdowell/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "NSSF PROFILE Q&A: U.S. Rep. Addison McDowell (R-N.C.)".NSSF.2025-06-17.https://www.nssf.org/articles/nssf-profile-qa-us-rep-addison-mcdowell-rnc/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Press Release: Congressman Addison McDowell Announces Nearly $5 Million Investment for Community Projects in NC-06".Quiver Quantitative.https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Congressman+Addison+McDowell+Announces+Nearly+%245+Million+Investment+for+Community+Projects+in+NC-06.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Congressman Addison McDowell".Office of Congressman Addison McDowell.http://mcdowell.house.gov/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "McDowell for NC".McDowell for NC Campaign.http://mcdowellfornc.com/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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