Matthew Orr

Matthew Orr (Republican Party) is running for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 33. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Republican primary for this office on March 3, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Raleigh and am a proud graduate of Garner Magnet High School. After spending time in the United States Army, I returned home and continued my education at Wake Technical Community College before transferring to North Carolina State University, where I earned two bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Public Relations.

Following college, I built a successful career in marketing and finance, but I discovered my true passion was giving back to the community that has given me so much. I left the corporate world to start two small businesses that I continue to own and operate today. Alongside that work, I serve as the Executive Director of the Scott Orr Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health, preventing suicide, and providing housing and essential resources for America’s veterans.

Community has always been at the center of my life. I had the privilege of coaching wrestling at South Garner High School, and today I live in Garner with my family. We are proud to call Garner home, and I’m running to ensure that the next generation has the same opportunities to grow, thrive, and build a future here in District 33.

​I have dedicated my life in service of others, and I'll fight for your family like they're my own.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Everyone who works hard deserves dignity, fair pay, and a real opportunity to build a stable life. Yet too many families in Southern and Southeast Raleigh feel left behind as our city grows. Prosperity must reach every corner of District 33 — not just a select few neighborhoods. I will fight to expand well-paying jobs for every education level, invest intentionally in underserved communities, and support small businesses by cutting red tape and lowering barriers to entry. By strengthening partnerships with community colleges, trade schools, and local employers, we can create workforce pipelines that lead directly to stable, family-supporting careers. Growth should lift all of us — not just some.Every child, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to a high-quality education and a clear pathway to success. Our schools should prepare students not just for tests, but for life — equipping them with real-world skills and opportunity. I will fight to ensure fair access to resources across every school in District 33, reform teacher pay to reward excellence and accountability, and expand apprenticeships through partnerships with local colleges and businesses. By strengthening pathways to affordable college, vocational training, and trade careers, we can ensure every graduate has a future filled with options and opportunity.Owning a home should mean truly owning it — not renting it from the government through endless property taxes. Even after a mortgage is paid off, families must keep paying or risk losing their home. That is wrong. I believe every North Carolinian deserves the opportunity to build wealth, raise a family, and own their home free and clear.

I will fight to abolish property taxes on single-family homes and end the state income tax, replacing it with a flat sales tax that rewards work instead of punishing it. By lifting these burdens, we can make homeownership permanent, help families keep more of what they earn, and encourage the construction of more affordable housing across our district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Development, Housing, Healthcare, Supporting Veterans, Taxes, Education, Public Safety, Community Engagement