Wake lawmaker this year's youngest Senator

By Mark Binker

Posted: January 9

Raleigh, N.C. — Just to be clear, Sen. Chad Barefoot is not the youngest member of the state legislature. That distinction rests with Rep. Justin Burr, 26, of Albemarle, who is serving his third term.

But at 29 and in his first term, Barefoot is the youngest of the 50 state Senators sworn in today.

Barefoot, who represents parts of Wake and Franklin counties, said his relatively young age may influence his lawmaking.

"The way I think about the changes we'll make to the laws of North Carolina are more of a long-term perspective," Barefoot said. "I know that one day I'll leave this place and I will probably spend more time in North Carolina after being a lawmaker than being one. So I want to do things to help to put North Carolina on a good trajectory."

Barefoot is a new father. His son, Franklin, is a month old.

"So you better believe that I'm already thinking about his education and work possibilities," Barefoot said.

And for those wondering about those on the other end of the age spectrum, Rep. Henry "Mickey" Michaux, is the oldest member of the legislature. He is 81.

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Yes we are so excited to have Chad move to an apartment in our district long enough to run in it and then have well connected special interests buy his seat for nearly $1 million dollars. I am glad my district will be represented by someone who really lives in Apex. I guess it is good for the Apex area now that they now have two representatives. This is exactly what I think of when I think of good government. The good news is that these people that put up the million dollars are just nice people and don't expect anything in return.