Wake lawmaker this year's youngest Senator

At 29, Chad Barefoot is the youngest of the 50 state senators, but not the youngest member of the General Assembly.

Posted 5:17 p.m. Jan 9, 2013 — Updated 5:24 p.m. Jan 9, 2013

Mark Binker

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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