Bobby Ray "Bob" Etheridge (born August 7, 1941) is an American politician who was the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district from 1997 to 2011.

He attended Campbell University on an athletic scholarship and became the first member of his family to earn a diploma when he received a business degree in 1965.

Having gained a reputation for his strong stances on educational issues, he was elected in 1988 and served two terms (1989–1996) as North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction.

[9] On November 19, 2010, the State Board of Elections director Gary Bartlett confirmed Ellmers won by about 1,483 votes (0.8% margin).

In 2006, Etheridge joined U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth in proposing increased research and development of biofuels to reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.

The pair, who identified themselves as students working on a project, asked Etheridge if he "fully supported the Obama agenda" while videorecording his response.

[17] An article in The New York Times subsequently stated that unnamed "Republican political strategists acknowledge they were behind the episode.

"[18] Political analysts commented on the potential effect of this confrontation on Etheridge's chances of re-election against Republican candidate Renee Ellmers.

[19][20][21] Subsequently, on June 18, a 32-year-old man, Brandon Leslie, said he had been a victim of a similar incident occurring in 1996 in which Etheridge grabbed him when he was a high school student.

[26] Etheridge left the position when President Donald Trump took office, as is customary for political appointees.