Robert 'Bob' Etheridge is an American politician and educator who served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. Before his time in Washington, he built a long career in public service, serving as a county commissioner, a member of the state House of Representatives, and as North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. During his seven terms in Congress from 1997 to 2011, Etheridge was a member of the Democratic Party and focused on issues related to agriculture, education, and veterans' affairs. After leaving Congress, he has remained involved in state and agricultural policy, including a role as an advisor to the governor of North Carolina.