ABOUT JEFF

Jeff Zenger was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Baltimore by a single mom. By age 12, he was delivering newspapers and helping cover bills. Those early years taught Jeff two things that have never left him: the value of hard work and the importance of serving others. 

 

Jeff bought his first house at 21 and moved to Fells Point in downtown Baltimore. His neighbors included teen runaways, youth prostitutes, and “throw-away” kids who had been effectively abandoned. Instead of ignoring what was happening around him, Jeff opened his door. He and his roommate turned their rowhouse into a safe haven for local kids. That effort grew into 13 years of community-based youth outreach. During that time, Jeff mentored teens, helped them find stability, and supported them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 

 

In 1996, after his son was born, Jeff and his wife Julie sold everything and moved to Lewisville, North Carolina. Jeff earned his contractor’s license, started building homes and commercial projects, and eventually developed small office buildings and residential projects. At the same time, he and Julie put down roots raising their four children, Noah, Savannah, Ben, and Emma, on a small farm shaped by hard work, service, and strong community ties. He and Julie have modeled a simple principle for their kids: faith without works is dead. 

 

Jeff’s path into public service began when he was asked to serve on the Lewisville Planning Board, eventually becoming chair. Later, he served four terms on the Lewisville Town Council, earning a reputation as a steady, practical leader focused on responsible growth, protecting homeowners, and keeping Lewisville a place families want to stay and invest in. 

 

When there was an open seat in the North Carolina House, local leaders encouraged Jeff to run. He entered a tough race and won. In Raleigh, he has focused on lowering barriers for attainable homeownership, standing with law enforcement and first responders, protecting taxpayers, and cutting government overreach. He delivered tangible wins for his district: including four new firetrucks, road and infrastructure improvements, acquisition of historic Shallow Ford as a public park, and civil service protections for police and firefighters targeted for political reasons. 

 

Today, Jeff serves as a leading voice on housing affordability, public safety, and practical problem-solving. He believes the government works best when it’s focused on strong communities, personal responsibility, and opportunity for the next generation. Jeff is determined to leave North Carolina stronger, safer, and more affordable for the next generation.