Robert Pittenger

Robert Pittenger

Republican Party

Prior offices

North Carolina State Senate

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U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Successor: Dan Bishop

Predecessor: Sue Wilkins Myrick

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Compensation

Net worth

$54,791,526

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 3, 2020

Education

High school

McCallum High School

Bachelor's

University of Texas, Austin

Personal

Religion

Christian

Profession

Small business owner

Contact

Personal Twitter

Robert Pittenger (Republican Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing North Carolina's 9th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2013. He left office on January 3, 2019.

Pittenger (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent North Carolina's 9th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on March 3, 2020.

Biography

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Pittenger was born in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in psychology and political science. During his work with Campus Crusade for Christ, he traveled around the world to promote Christianity.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Pittenger's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2013-2019: U.S Representative from North Carolina's 9th Congressional District
• 1989-Present: Owner, Robert Pittenger Co.
• 2003-2008: North Carolina State Senate
• 1970-1985: Assistant to the president, Campus Crusade for Christ

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Pittenger was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Financial Services

2015-2016

Pittenger served on the following committees:

• Financial Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
  • Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade
  • Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing, Vice Chairman

2013-2014

Pittenger served on the following committees:

• Committee on Financial Services
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
  • Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.

  Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

  Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

  Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

  Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

  Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Did not vote on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

  Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

  Did not vote on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Pittenger's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Pittenger was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Pittenger was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Pittenger was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Pittenger was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Pittenger voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Pittenger voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Pittenger voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Pittenger voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Pittenger voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Pittenger voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Pittenger voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Pittenger voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Pittenger voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Pittenger voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Pittenger voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Pittenger voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Pittenger voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Pittenger voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Pittenger's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security NDAA Pittenger voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Pittenger did not vote on HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Pittenger voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Pittenger voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Pittenger voted for HR 2775. Pittenger declined to accept his salary while the government was shutdown. Federal Pay Adjustment Act Pittenger voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Pittenger did not vote on House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Pittenger voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Social issues Abortion Pittenger voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. Government affairs HR 676 See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit. Pittenger joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.

Elections

2020

See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election, 2020

North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Incumbent Dan Bishop defeated Cynthia Wallace in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dan Bishop (R)	55.6	224,661
		Cynthia Wallace (D)	44.4	179,463

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 404,124
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Cynthia Wallace defeated Harry Southerland, Clayton Brooks III, and Marcus Williams in the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Cynthia Wallace	56.0	45,359
	Submit photo	Harry Southerland	16.3	13,163
		Clayton Brooks III	14.7	11,913
		Marcus Williams	13.0	10,527

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 80,962
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Fernando Cano Jr. (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Dan Bishop advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Robert Pittenger (R)
• Stevie Rivenbark (R)
• Raymond Gerber (R)

2018

See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

No candidate won the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
		Mark Harris (R)	49.3	139,246
		Dan McCready (D)	48.9	138,341
		Jeff Scott (L)	1.8	5,130

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Vote totals may be incomplete for this race.
	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 282,717
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Dan McCready defeated Christian Cano in the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dan McCready	82.8	38,098
		Christian Cano	17.2	7,922

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 46,020
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Maria Warren (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Mark Harris defeated incumbent Robert Pittenger and Clarence Goins in the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Harris	48.5	17,302
		Robert Pittenger	46.2	16,474
		Clarence Goins	5.2	1,867

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 35,643
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9

Jeff Scott advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 9 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Jeff Scott

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016

See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Robert Pittenger (R) defeated Christian Cano (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Pittenger defeated Mark Harris and Todd Johnson in the Republican primary. A recount was required in the Republican primary, after which Pittenger led Harris by 133 votes. Harris then conceded the race. The primary election took place on June 7, 2016.

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Robert Pittenger Incumbent	58.2%	193,452
	Democratic	Christian Cano	41.8%	139,041
Total Votes				332,493
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Robert Pittenger Incumbent	35%	9,299
Mark Harris	34.4%	9,165
Todd Johnson	30.6%	8,142
Total Votes		26,606
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

2014

See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District elections, 2014

Pittenger won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He won the nomination in the Republican primary election on May 6, 2014, and ran uncontested in the general election. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Robert Pittenger Incumbent	93.9%	163,080
	Write-in	Shawn Eckles	1.4%	2,369
	Write-in	Write-in (miscellaneous)	4.7%	8,219
Total Votes				173,668
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Robert Pittenger Incumbent	67.6%	29,505
Mike Steinberg	32.4%	14,146
Total Votes		43,651
Source: Results via the North Carolina State Board of Elections

2012

See also: North Carolina's 9th Congressional District elections, 2012

Pittenger won his seat in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing North Carolina's 9th District. Pittenger faced Dan Barry, Andy Dulin, Ken Leonczyk, Jim Pendergraph, Michael Steinberg, Michael Shaffer, Jon Gauthier, Edwin Peacock and Ric Killian in the Republican primary on May 8, 2012. He then defeated Jim Pendergraph in the July 17 primary runoff election. He went on to defeat Jennifer Roberts (D) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

The Washington Post listed the House of Representatives elections in North Carolina in 2012 as one of the 10 states that could have determined whether Democrats retook the House or Republicans held their majority in 2013. North Carolina was rated eighth on the list.

Pittenger raised the most money of any candidate for congress in North Carolina, reporting over $3 million in contributions during the first three quarters.

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jennifer Roberts	45.7%	171,503
	Republican	Robert Pittenger	51.8%	194,537
	Libertarian	Curtis Campbell	2.6%	9,650
Total Votes				375,690
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

The primary took place on May 8, 2012.

U.S. House, North Carolina District 9 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Robert Pittenger	32.4%	29,999
Jim Pendergraph	25.3%	23,401
Edwin B. Peacock III	12.3%	11,336
Ric Killian	10.5%	9,691
Dan Barry	6%	5,515
Andy Dulin	4.9%	4,526
Mike Steinberg	2.5%	2,297
Jon Gauthier	2.2%	2,056
Ken Leonczyk	2.2%	2,047
Richard Lynch	1.1%	1,000
Michael Shaffer	0.6%	579
Total Votes		92,447

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Robert Pittenger did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2016

The following issues were listed on Pittenger's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Defend 2nd Amendment Rights: Robert Pittenger, the conservative, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in North Carolina's 9th District, has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association for his strong stance in defense of our right to bear arms. Foreign Affairs: Because the world is so interconnected, matters and events in places we’ve hardly heard of can affect America’s economy and security. Both our allies and our enemies are watching our every move. Financial Services: New jobs come mainly from small businesses, and large and small businesses alike need capital to grow. When hardworking American families sensibly use credit to finance education, buy cars, or even remodel their kitchens, they are helping the economy. Economy & Jobs: Much of America is financially struggling. Huge regulatory legislation such as Dodd-Frank, promises of “hope and change,” and trillion dollar-spending deficits each year have not helped the economy. Too many people in our communities still don’t have financially supportive jobs. Budget & Spending: Washington spends money uncontrollably—America must borrow $1 million every thirty seconds to pay for Washington’s spending. And what do we get? We have more taxes and regulations, a larger bureaucracy, a shrinking economy, and fewer jobs for families.	”
—Robert Pittenger's campaign website, http://www.robertpittenger.com/defend-2nd-amendment-rights/

2012

Pittenger's campaign website listed the following issues:

• Pittenger Pledges Conservative Tax Reform

Excerpt: "I’ll work to free people from their tax burden so they’ll have more money to do what’s best for their families and businesses. Small-business owners create jobs and put people to work, but they can’t do that when they’re weighed down by taxes. Lower taxes encourage business owners to invest and hire more people."

• Pittenger Vows Strong National Security

Excerpt: "I believe that our military men and women are the best and the brightest. They deserve every military advantage we can give them. As your congressman I will fight to protect our defense budget and to fight for the money that our service men and women need. I will make our security the priority of our government."

• Pittenger Promises Fiscal Responsibility

Excerpt: "Robert Pittenger, the conservative, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in North Carolina's 9th District, discovered over $1 billion in wasteful spending when he was a State Senator."

• Pittenger Protects Our 2nd Amendment

Excerpt: "Although this right is guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it is under constant attack by liberals in Washington. That’s why we need strong, conservative leaders like Robert Pittenger to defend our right to keep and bear arms."

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Robert Pittenger campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2020	U.S. House North Carolina District 9	Withdrew primary	$506	$2,294
2018	U.S. House North Carolina District 9	Lost primary	$1,125,838	N/A**
2016	U.S. House, North Carolina District 9	Won	$1,114,358	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (North Carolina, District 2)	Won	$1,023,930	N/A**
Grand total			$3,264,632	$2,294
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Pittenger's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $29,927,054 and $79,655,998. That averages to $54,791,526, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Pittenger ranked as the 11th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2011 and 2012, Pittenger's calculated net worth increased by an average of 60 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Robert Pittenger Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2011	$34,278,495
2012	$54,791,526.00
Growth from 2011 to 2012:	60%
Average annual growth:	60%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Pittenger received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Retired industry.

From 2011-2014, 13.4 percent of Pittenger's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Robert Pittenger Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$4,152,874
Total Spent	$4,069,640
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Retired	$207,000
Real Estate	$96,500
Securities & Investment	$92,450
Insurance	$90,575
Commercial Banks	$70,150
% total in top industry	4.98%
% total in top two industries	7.31%
% total in top five industries	13.4%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Pittenger was a moderate Republican follower as of August 2014.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Pittenger most often votes with:

• Virginia Foxx
• Jim Matheson

Pittenger least often votes with:

• Walter Jones
• Mark Pocan

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Pittenger missed 58 of 1,752 roll call votes from January 2013 to September 2015. This amounted to 3.3 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Pittenger ranked 67th in the conservative rankings in 2013.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Pittenger voted with the Republican Party 95.9 percent of the time, which ranked 38th among the 234 House Republican members as of August 2014.

2013

Pittenger voted with the Republican Party 94.1 percent of the time, which ranked 111th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.

2016 Republican National Convention

See also: Republican National Convention, 2016

Robert Pittenger
Republican National Convention, 2016
Status:	At-large Delegate
State:	North Carolina
Bound to:	Unknown
Delegates to the RNC 2016
Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • Delegate rules by state • State election law and delegates • Delegates by state

Pittenger was an at-large delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from North Carolina. In the North Carolina Republican primary election on March 15, 2016, Donald Trump won 29 delegates, Ted Cruz won 27 delegates, John Kasich won nine, and Marco Rubio won six. Ballotpedia was not able to identify which candidate Pittenger was bound by state party rules to support at the national convention. If you have information on how North Carolina’s Republican delegates were allocated, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

Delegate rules

See also: RNC delegate guidelines from North Carolina, 2016 and Republican delegates from North Carolina, 2016

Delegates from North Carolina to the Republican National Convention were elected at congressional district conventions and the state convention in May. Delegates from North Carolina were required by state party rules to declare themselves in public "as a representative of a Candidate on the Presidential Preference Primary ballot" prior to their election as a delegate. At-large delegates were required to list their top three presidential candidates in order of preference and indicate whether they would be willing to commit to a candidate whom they do not personally favor.

North Carolina primary results

See also: Presidential election in North Carolina, 2016

North Carolina Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
Donald Trump	40.2%	462,413	29
Ted Cruz	36.8%	422,621	27
John Kasich	12.7%	145,659	9
Marco Rubio	7.7%	88,907	6
Ben Carson	1%	11,019	1
Jeb Bush	0.3%	3,893	0
Mike Huckabee	0.3%	3,071	0
Rand Paul	0.2%	2,753	0
Chris Christie	0.1%	1,256	0
Carly Fiorina	0.1%	929	0
Rick Santorum	0.1%	663	0
Jim Gilmore	0%	265	0
Other	0.5%	6,081	0
Totals		1,149,530	72
Source: The New York Times and North Carolina Board of Elections

Delegate allocation

See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

North Carolina had 72 delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Of this total, 39 were district-level delegates (three for each of the state's 13 congressional districts). District-level delegates were allocated proportionally according to the statewide vote.

Of the remaining 33 delegates, 30 served at large. North Carolina's at-large delegates were allocated on a proportional basis according to the statewide primary vote. In addition, three national party leaders (identified on the chart below as RNC delegates) served as bound delegates to the Republican National Convention.

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

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Newsletters

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External links

• Official campaign website
• Official U.S. House website

• Social media:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
• Congressional profile at CongressMerge.com
• Summary, biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Profile at Wikipedia
• Financial information at OpenSecrets.org
• Issue positions and quotes at On The Issues

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Sue Wilkins Myrick	U.S. House of Representatives - North Carolina District 9 2013–2019	Succeeded by Dan Bishop (R)

[show]

North Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ted Budd (R)

Thom Tillis (R)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Davis (D)

District 2

Deborah Ross (D)

District 3

Gregory Murphy (R)

District 4

Valerie Foushee (D)

District 5

Virginia Foxx (R)

District 6

Addison McDowell (R)

District 7

David Rouzer (R)

District 8

Mark Harris (R)

District 9

Richard Hudson (R)

District 10

Pat Harrigan (R)

District 11

Chuck Edwards (R)

District 12

Alma Adams (D)

District 13

Brad Knott (R)

District 14

Timothy Moore (R)

Republican Party (12)

Democratic Party (4)