A Republican, he served eight terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives where he held a number of leadership positions, including speaker pro tempore of the chamber from 2011 to 2017.[1] While in the House of Representatives, Jeralds led or sponsored legislation dealing with elections, government transparency, civil asset forfeiture, gun rights, and taxes amongst other subjects. Before joining the state legislature, he served on Kenansville town board.
Prior to being elected to public office, he ran a number of small businesses including a convenience store, construction companies, and land clearing.