Timothy Reeder

Timothy Reeder is a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 9th district. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the legislature until 2023. Reeder is also a physician with a background in public health, having held various positions in the medical field throughout his career. His legislative priorities have included healthcare policy, taxation, and education, reflecting his professional expertise and personal beliefs.

Early life and career

Timothy John Reeder was born in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. His early education took place in a Catholic school setting, which likely influenced his values and perspectives. Following his primary education, Reeder pursued higher education at Ohio State University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and medical degree. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future career in medicine.

In 1998, Reeder relocated to North Carolina, where he continued his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This advanced degree equipped him with a deeper understanding of public health issues, which would later inform his legislative priorities. His professional career has included significant roles in medical education and healthcare administration. He has worked at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, contributing to the training of future healthcare professionals. Additionally, he served as Chief of Medical Staff at Vidant Medical Center, a role that underscores his leadership in the healthcare sector.

Reeder's involvement in the medical community extended beyond his professional roles; he also served as President of the North Carolina Medical Society in 2019. This position allowed him to advocate for physicians and healthcare issues at a state level, further solidifying his commitment to public health and medical practice in North Carolina. As a resident of Ayden, North Carolina, Reeder has been actively engaged in both his local community and the broader state healthcare landscape.

Legislative service

Reeder's entry into politics began with his announcement to run for the North Carolina House of Representatives in the 9th district on December 20, 2021. His campaign focused on several key issues, including his opposition to abortion and critical race theory, as well as his support for tax reductions. He positioned himself as a candidate who would address concerns about inflation, particularly criticizing the policies of Governor Roy Cooper and the incumbent representative, Brian Farkas.

In the Republican primary held on May 17, 2022, Reeder secured his place on the ballot by defeating his opponent, Tony P. Moore, in a competitive race. His victory in the primary was marked by a margin of 908 votes, indicating a strong support base within the Republican Party. Following the primary, Reeder continued his campaign and, on November 8, 2022, he won the general election against Brian Farkas. His election was part of a broader trend of Republican gains in the North Carolina House of Representatives during that election cycle.

Reeder's term in office was characterized by his engagement with various legislative initiatives. In 2023, he introduced Senate Bill 631, which aimed to restrict access to transgender healthcare for minors. This bill faced significant opposition from advocates for transgender rights, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue within the state. Ultimately, the bill did not pass, illustrating the challenges that can arise when attempting to legislate on sensitive social issues.

In addition to his work on transgender healthcare, Reeder proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of healthcare workers. He introduced a bill requiring all hospitals with emergency departments to have law enforcement officers present at all times, a measure intended to deter violence against medical staff. This proposal highlighted his commitment to addressing safety concerns in healthcare settings.

Reeder's legislative activities also included a focus on the relationship between healthcare providers and insurance companies. In March 2025, he filed a bill designed to reduce oversight of doctors by insurance providers. This legislation sought to ensure that health insurance companies would consult with physicians before denying treatment and establish timeframes for insurance reviews to prevent delays in emergency care. Such initiatives reflect Reeder's background in medicine and his understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare delivery.

Additionally, in September 2025, he introduced a bill aimed at regulating the sale of THC products, proposing that individuals under the age of 21 be prohibited from purchasing these items. This legislation indicates his approach to public health and safety, particularly concerning substance use among young people.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Reeder's policy focus has been informed by his professional background as a physician and his personal beliefs. His stance on abortion is particularly notable; he advocates for legal restrictions on the procedure, suggesting that it should generally be limited to the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. This position aligns with the views of many in the Republican Party and reflects ongoing national debates regarding reproductive rights.

Reeder's district, the 9th House district, is located in Pitt County, an area that encompasses a mix of urban and rural communities. The demographic and economic characteristics of this district have likely influenced his legislative priorities and campaign strategies. As a representative, he has aimed to address the concerns of his constituents, particularly in areas related to healthcare, taxation, and education.

His campaign themes resonated with voters who shared his concerns about inflation and the impact of state policies on their daily lives. By positioning himself as a candidate focused on lowering taxes and opposing certain educational curricula, Reeder sought to align his platform with the values and priorities of his constituents.

In summary, Timothy Reeder's career as a physician and politician reflects a commitment to public health and a focus on legislative issues that resonate with his constituents in North Carolina. His tenure in the state legislature included significant proposals aimed at healthcare reform and public safety, while his positions on social issues have sparked debate within the community. As a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Reeder's contributions to the legislative process and his advocacy for healthcare issues continue to shape discussions in the state.