Dan Bishop

James Daniel Bishop, born on July 1, 1964, is an American attorney and politician affiliated with the Republican Party. He has held various political positions in North Carolina, including serving as a member of the North Carolina State Senate from 2017 to 2019, representing District 39. Bishop's political career also includes tenure in the North Carolina House of Representatives and the Mecklenburg County Commission. He gained national attention for his role in the passage of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly referred to as the "bathroom bill," which sparked significant controversy and backlash. Following his state legislative service, Bishop was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 2019 to 2025. His career has been marked by a series of notable legislative actions and political campaigns, culminating in his recent appointment as the interim United States attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Early life and career

Bishop's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, which he obtained from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986. He further pursued his legal education at the University of North Carolina School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1990. This academic foundation in business and law has informed his approach to governance and public policy throughout his political career.

Bishop's initial foray into politics began with his election to the Mecklenburg County Commission, where he served from 2004 to 2008. This role marked the beginning of his engagement in public service, allowing him to address local issues and gain experience in governmental operations. After a hiatus from elected office, he returned to politics in 2015, winning a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives. During his time in the House, he represented House District 104, succeeding Ruth Samuelson, who had chosen not to seek re-election. Bishop's election to the House was notable for the absence of a Democratic opponent, allowing him to focus on his campaign against a Libertarian candidate.

Legislative service

Bishop's tenure in the North Carolina State Senate began in November 2016 when he won the election for District 39, succeeding Bob Rucho, who opted not to run for re-election. In this election, Bishop garnered a majority of the votes, defeating his Democratic opponent, Lloyd Scher. His time in the Senate spanned the 2017–2018 legislative session, during which he held several significant positions. He co-chaired the Select Committee on Judicial Reform and Redistricting and served as vice-chair of the Select Committee on Elections. Additionally, he was a member of various other committees, contributing to the legislative process on multiple fronts.

Bishop's legislative actions and public statements during his time in the Senate attracted considerable attention, particularly regarding his stance on issues related to the media and public discourse. He made remarks that drew comparisons to the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, particularly in his criticisms of journalists. His comments regarding the Raleigh press corps, in particular, highlighted his contentious relationship with the media, which he accused of biased coverage.

One of the most significant pieces of legislation associated with Bishop is the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly known as House Bill 2. This law, which he sponsored, restricted transgender individuals from using public restrooms that did not correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificates. The bill also invalidated a local nondiscrimination ordinance passed by the Charlotte City Council and prohibited local governments from enacting similar protections. The passage of this legislation sparked widespread controversy and backlash, leading to significant economic repercussions for the state as companies and organizations withdrew investments in response to the law. Bishop's role in promoting this legislation elevated his profile within the Republican Party, but it also drew criticism from various advocacy groups and members of the public.

In 2017, following significant public outcry and economic consequences estimated at $3.7 billion, House Bill 2 was repealed and replaced with compromise legislation. Bishop was notably the only senator to publicly oppose the repeal, expressing his discontent with the decision and framing it as a betrayal of principle. His subsequent comments, which included comparisons of LGBT rights activists to extremist groups, further fueled the controversy surrounding his political career.

Policy focus and district

Bishop's policy focus during his legislative career has been characterized by a commitment to conservative principles, particularly in relation to social issues. His sponsorship of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act exemplifies his approach to governance, emphasizing traditional values and opposition to what he termed the "radical transgender agenda." This stance resonated with a segment of the Republican base, contributing to his electoral success in subsequent campaigns.

Following his time in the North Carolina State Senate, Bishop transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives, winning a special election in 2019 for North Carolina's 9th congressional district. This election was necessitated by irregularities in the previous election, which had resulted in the annulment of the initial results. Bishop's victory in the special election was notable for its narrow margin, as he defeated his Democratic opponent, Dan McCready, in a district historically dominated by Republican candidates.

Bishop's subsequent re-election campaign in 2022 further solidified his position within the Republican Party, as he won a significant majority of the vote. His political trajectory continued with an unsuccessful bid for attorney general in 2024, after which he was appointed as the interim United States attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Throughout his career, Bishop has navigated a complex political landscape, balancing the demands of his constituents with the broader ideological currents within the Republican Party. His legislative actions and public statements have left a lasting impact on North Carolina politics, particularly regarding issues of social policy and governance. As he continues to serve in his current role, Bishop's career remains a subject of interest for those observing the evolving dynamics of American political discourse.