Richard Burr

On July 29, 2005, Richard Burr assumed the chairmanship of a U.S. Senate subcommittee, a significant leadership role in his political career. As chair, Burr was responsible for overseeing the matters and legislation pertinent to the subcommittee, a position that allowed him to influence national policy significantly. His leadership was marked by a focus on security and health issues, reflecting his long-standing interests in his legislative career.

On November 8, 2016, Richard Burr was reelected to a third term as the U.S. Senator from North Carolina, defeating his Democratic challenger. Burr's campaign focused on national security, veterans’ affairs, and local North Carolina issues, resonating with voters despite a challenging electoral environment. His victory secured another six years in the Senate, continuing his legislative work and influence on key committees.

On January 3, 2017, Richard Burr began his tenure as the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, a prominent position overseeing the United States' intelligence agencies. In this role, Burr was involved in significant investigations related to national security, including the inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. His leadership in this committee was crucial during a tumultuous period.

On March 19, 2020, Richard Burr faced controversy over stock trades made ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted an investigation into whether he used non-public information for personal gain. The controversy centered on the ethics of his actions as he had been privy to briefings about the potential effects of the virus. This situation led to widespread public and political scrutiny of Burr’s actions and his decisions regarding his investments.

On February 13, 2021, Richard Burr made headlines by voting to convict former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. Burr was one of seven Republican senators to break ranks, citing the belief that Trump was guilty of inciting the January 6 Capitol riot. This decision was controversial within his party, drawing both praise and criticism, but was consistent with his earlier statements about accountability and the rule of law.

On January 15, 2022, Richard Burr announced that he would not seek re-election in 2022, marking the end of his tenure in the Senate. Burr had served since 2005, and his decision opened up a highly watched Senate race in North Carolina. His announcement reflected his long-standing commitment to term limits and belief in making way for new leadership, a stance he had advocated throughout his political career.