Brenden Jones is an American politician and entrepreneur from the state of North Carolina. He is a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the Republican Party, representing the 46th district. He was first elected in November 2016.
Political career
Jones has participated in the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 general elections for NC House of Representatives District 46. After losing his first election, the NC Republican Party infused his 2016 campaign with nearly $149K to help him win the seat in the rural 46th Distinct. Before the election, Jones became involved in a physical altercation with his opponent, Tim Benton, and they filed assault charges against each other. The charges were dismissed after the election.
In 2017, Jones introduced HB562, a bathroom bill which would make it harder for transgender people to use public bathrooms by imposing harsher penalties for "trespassing". This was 4 days after partial repeal of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. He is opposed to allowing men and women to share public restrooms and changing facilities.
In 2022, Jones ran unopposed in the election.
Jones has voiced his opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, even for healthcare systems in NC. He voted to end federal unemployment benefits linked to the COVID-19 pandemic relief for workers.
Election results
Jones first ran for a seat in the NC House of Representatives in 2014 and lost to incumbent Kenneth Waddell(D). A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 28, 2014. Incumbent Ken Waddell was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Brenden Jones was unopposed in the Republican primary. Waddell defeated Jones in the general election. 2014 Jones' website highlighted the following campaign themes: Keeping Taxes Low, Reining in Government Spending, Supporting our Teachers, Stimulating Private-Sector Job Growth, Fighting for Rural Transportation, Standing Strong for Our Values,
Democratic Ken Waddell Incumbent 53.4% 11,551
Republican Brenden Jones 46.6% 10,073 Vote totals 21,624
North Carolina House of Representatives
Standing or select committees (2019–2020 session) Appropriations, Information Technology, Chairman House select Committee on Disaster Relief, Chairman Appropriations, Vice-chairman Energy and Public Utilities, Vice-chairman Agriculture House Select Committee on COVID-19
Non-standing committees (2019–2020 session) Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee Joint Select Committee on Storm-Related River Debris/Damage in North Carolina, Co-chair
2021-2022 Session
Jones was assigned to the following committees: Appropriations on Information Technology Committee, Appropriations on Transportation Committee, Senior chair Energy and Public Utilities Committee Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs Committee, Vice chair, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee, Vice chair, Agriculture Committee, Appropriations Committee, Vice chair, House Transportation Committee, Chair
Personal life
Jones is a third generation car dealer. He and his wife, Angela, are the owner of Meares & Jones Funeral Service in Fair Bluff, North Carolina. He is also a deacon at Tabor City Baptist Church.
