Biography
John Bradford "Brad" Knott, born on April 17, 1986, in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Elected in 2024, he began his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2025. The 13th District encompasses Wake, Johnston, Lee, Harnett, Franklin, Caswell, Person, and Granville counties.
Prior to his congressional tenure, Knott served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina from 2016 until November 2023. In this role, he collaborated with law enforcement agencies to prosecute organized crime, including drug cartels, human trafficking, financial crimes, and national gangs. His experiences in combating serious crime and observing the impact of weak law enforcement policies motivated him to pursue public office.
Knott is married to Joanna Saleeby, and together they have two daughters. He is a lifelong North Carolinian with deep family roots in the state.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts: Baylor University
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Juris Doctor: Wake Forest University School of Law
During law school, Knott clerked for North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby, gaining valuable experience in the judicial system.
Political Experience
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U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 13th District: Elected in 2024, began serving on January 3, 2025.
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Committee Assignments:
- House Judiciary Committee
- Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
- Homeland Security Committee
Knott's legislative focus includes combating serious crime, fostering economic growth, and addressing national security threats. His background as a federal prosecutor informs his commitment to robust law enforcement and securing the nation's borders.
In the 2024 Republican primary for the 13th District, Knott advanced to a runoff against Kelly Daughtry. After receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Daughtry suspended her campaign, leading to Knott's nomination. He subsequently won the general election against Democrat Frank Pierce.
Knott's policy positions include strong support for the Second Amendment, opposition to sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants, and advocacy for stricter immigration enforcement. He also opposes transgender women competing in women's sports and supports the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
