Biography
The son of a farmer and a public school teacher, Tom grew up in a modest, working-class family on a farm in Richmond County. His parents instilled in him the value of education, personal responsibility, and perseverance. Tom McInnis never had the luxury of a large inheritance or handouts; instead, he worked his way through school and built small businesses that have created jobs in our community for years.
Now serving his sixth term in the State Senate, Tom has worked consistently to reduce unnecessary government intrusion and eliminate overbearing regulations that stifle the entrepreneurial spirit of job creators—all while safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of all North Carolinians. He has championed efforts to expand vocational and technical education, helping students gain the skills needed for sustainable, well-paying careers. He has also worked to raise teacher pay, expand pathways to teacher certification, and support school choice programs that provide families with broader educational opportunities.
Perhaps most importantly, Tom has fought tirelessly against the illegal drug epidemic. Having witnessed firsthand the devastation that opioid addiction brings to families and communities, he remains deeply committed to combating addiction in all its forms.
Senator McInnis currently serves as Senior Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee, and Co-Chair of the Revenue Laws Study Committee—three committees that play critical roles for Moore and Cumberland Counties. He also serves on several other key Senate committees.
He is seeking reelection to the State Senate because he believes the constituents of the 21st District deserve a proven leader who is bold, decisive, and committed to working tirelessly to meet constituent needs, strengthen educational opportunities, and expand job growth across Moore and Cumberland Counties. Senator McInnis’ open-door policy reflects his dedication to serving the people he represents.
Tom’s wife, Janice, is a retired Richmond County Schools teacher. They have 4 children and 11 grandchildren, and make their home in Pinehurst, NC.
Awards and achievements
Legislator of the Year for First Health of the Carolinas
NC Defender of Public Safety from the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association
A 96.8% ranking by the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation
Leadership Award from the Recycling Association of NC
Primary Sponsor of the Constitutional Amendment that forever protects the right to hunt, fish and trap in North Carolina
Richmond Community College Foundation’s 2020 Citizen of the Year
Keystone Award for NC Engineering Community
The Henry W. Little, III Community Leadership Award
Delta Waterfowl Legislator of the Year
NC Forestry Association Legislator of the Year
Served 8 years on the Richmond County Board of Education
Elected to the North Carolina Auctioneers Association President’s Award of Distinction
Appointed by Governor Jim Martin to serve 2 terms on the North Carolina Auctioneers Licensing Board
Former Chairperson of the Richmond County Economic Development Board, Former member of the Richmond County Planning and Zoning Board, Former member of the Richmond County Board of Elections
Memberships and Associations: Lifetime Member and Former Consultant to the National Rifle Association, Member of the North Carolina Forestry Association
Service and Charity
Tom has devoted countless hours to community service, assisting nonprofit organizations nationwide through benefit auctions. His work has helped generate millions of dollars in support of vital causes such as:
Hospice
Habitat for Humanity
Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation
Disability Resources, Inc
Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation
SECU Family House at UNC Memorial Hospital at Chapel Hill
4H Clubs
Boy Scouts of America
Quail Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited
National Rifle Association
North Carolina Forestry Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
Water Fowl USA
Wild Life Extravaganza
Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Foundation
