A Republican, he serves the 25th District which previously included Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly and a portion of Rowan counties.

The son of a farmer and a public-school teacher, he grew up in a modest, working-class family on a farm in Richmond County.

He learned from his parents the value of a dollar, the importance of a relevant education, and how to work hard to earn a living.

[2][3] Currently in his third term of the North Carolina State Senate, McInnis is the Chairperson of the Senate Transportation Committee for Policy and Appropriations as well as the Co-Chair of the Agriculture and Forestry Study Commission.

Other committee appointments include: Commerce and Insurance, State and Local Government, Agriculture Environmental and Natural Resources, Select Committee on Prison Safety, Education and Higher Education, Appropriation and Base Budget.