Jeff Jackson serves as the Attorney General of North Carolina and has built a noteworthy career in public service. His experience includes roles as a military officer, prosecutor, state senator, and U.S. Congressman.
Political Career Path to Attorney General
Jeff Jackson began his public service after the September 11 attacks by joining the United States Army Reserve. He served in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and now he is a Major in the Army National Guard.
After returning from Afghanistan, Jackson studied law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2009. He then worked as an assistant district attorney in Gaston County, where he handled serious cases like first-degree murder and sex crimes.
In 2014, Jackson was appointed to the North Carolina State Senate to represent Mecklenburg County’s 37th district. He served in this role until 2022, being re-elected several times. In the Senate, he focused on education, economic development, and criminal justice reform.
In 2022, Jackson was elected as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s new 14th congressional district. He actively engaged with his constituents, using platforms like TikTok to share information about legislative processes.
After a redistricting made his district more favorable to Republicans, Jackson announced his run for North Carolina Attorney General in October 2023. He won the Democratic nomination and the general election in November 2024. Jackson officially began his term on January 1, 2025.
Approach to Lowering Crime
Attorney General Jackson aims to reduce crime by using his experience as a prosecutor and his military training. He believes in a balanced approach that combines strong law enforcement with efforts to prevent crime. One of his main focuses is the fentanyl crisis, which is having a serious effect on communities. He supports better teamwork among law enforcement agencies, easier access to treatment for people with substance use disorders, and educational programs to stop drug abuse.
Jackson also acknowledges the evolving nature of crime in the digital age. He has expressed commitment to preparing the state’s defenses against artificial intelligence scams and other cyber threats, aiming to protect citizens from emerging forms of fraud and exploitation.
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Throughout his career has supported criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing systemic biases. He has advocated for robust public education, acknowledging its role in providing equal opportunities and reducing crime.
Jackson showed his commitment to transparency and accountability in Congress by using social media to explain legislative processes and engage with constituents, promoting a more informed democracy.
Voting Record as a U.S. Congressman
During his term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jackson served on the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. His legislative focus included national security, technological innovation, and veterans’ affairs.
Jackson’s voting record aligns closely with the priorities of the Democratic Party, as he has supported legislation focused on healthcare access, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. However, he has also shown a degree of independence. A notable example is his vote in favor of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which aimed to address national security concerns regarding foreign-owned apps like TikTok. This vote surprised many, especially since he was active on the platform. As a result, he experienced a loss of followers and faced criticism from some constituents.
Stance and Record on Illegal Immigration
Regarding Jackson’s stance on illegal immigration during his tenure as a state senator or U.S. Congressman are not extensively documented in the available sources. However, as Attorney General, his role involves enforcing state laws, which may encompass matters related to immigration in coordination with federal authorities. Jackson’s approach is expected to balance the enforcement of existing laws with a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, reflecting his broader commitment to justice and equity.