Federal Officials
At the national level, government is divided into three branches — Legislative, Executive, and Judicial — each with distinct powers and responsibilities designed to ensure a balance of power.
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The Legislative Branch includes the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, where lawmakers draft and pass the federal laws that govern our nation.
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The Executive Branch is led by the President and includes the Vice President and Cabinet members who enforce laws and direct national policy.
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The Judicial Branch is headed by the U.S. Supreme Court, which interprets the Constitution and reviews the legality of laws and executive actions.
Each of these branches plays a vital role in shaping national policies that directly affect life here in Harnett County — from healthcare and education to voting rights and environmental protections.
Let’s take a look at who represents us at the federal level and how you can stay connected.
Executive Branch |
Judicial Branch |
The U.S. Supreme Court and the broader federal judiciary interpret the Constitution and federal law. Justices are nominated by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and serve for life. Their decisions influence national policy for generations.
The U.S. Supreme Court is designed to be an independent, nonpartisan branch of government. Justices do not campaign for office or run under a political party. However, because they are nominated by Presidents and confirmed by the Senate, their judicial philosophies often reflect the values of the administrations that appointed them.
Here are the current members of the Court (as of 2025), along with the President who nominated each justice:
| Justice: | Nominated by: | Considered Leaning: |
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John G. Roberts, Jr. (Chief Justice) |
George W. Bush (R) | Conservative / Moderate |
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Clarence Thomas |
George H.W. Bush (R) | Conservative |
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Samuel Alito |
George W. Bush (R) | Conservative |
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Sonia Sotomayor |
Barack Obama (D) | Liberal |
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Elena Kagan |
Barack Obama (D) | Liberal |
|
Neil Gorsuch |
Donald Trump (R) | Conservative |
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Brett Kavanaugh |
Donald Trump (R) | Conservative |
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Amy Coney Barrett |
Donald Trump (R) | Conservative |
|
Ketanji Brown Jackson |
Joe Biden (D) | Liberal |
Read court opinions here.
For more information, visit the Supreme Court of the United States' website.
Legislative Branch |
North Carolina is represented in Congress by two U.S. Senators and one U.S. House of Representative. These lawmakers vote on federal legislation that impacts every part of life — from healthcare and education to infrastructure and civil rights.
Click here for a directory of all United States Senators.
United States Senate |
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Senator Thom Tillis (R) Term Expires: 2026 |
310 New Bern Ave # 122 113 Dirksen North Carolina office locations include Raleigh, Charlotte, Greenville, Hendersonville, and Greensboro. The Senator also has an office in Washington, DC. |
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Senator Ted Budd (R) Term Expires: 2028 |
333 Fayetteville St #1504 304 Russell North Carolina office locations include Advance, Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington. The Senator also has an office in Washington, DC. |
United States House of Representatives |
Click here for a directory of all members of the House of Representatives.
Click here for a full list of House Representatives from the State of North Carolina.
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Congressman Brad Knott (R) Term Expires: 2027 Serves on the House Judiciary, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Homeland Security committees. |
1239 Longworth House Office Building North Carolina office locations include Harnett and Granville Counties. The Congressman also has an office in Washington, DC. |
Party Balance in Congress (as of 2025)
Understanding the party makeup of Congress helps explain how legislation moves — or stalls — in Washington. In 2025, the Republican Party holds narrow control of both chambers of the 119th U.S. Congress, working alongside the current administration.
U.S. House of Representatives
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With a slim majority, House Republicans must maintain party unity to pass legislation. Just a few votes can sway outcomes, making every member's vote especially significant.
U.S. Senate
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In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53–47 advantage. While this allows for confirming appointments and advancing certain policies, most major legislation still requires a 60-vote supermajority to overcome the filibuster — making bipartisan cooperation essential in many cases.
This balance of power shapes how federal laws are created and which policies move forward. For Harnett County residents, understanding this landscape helps connect local impact to national decision-making.
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