He worked tirelessly in Republican politics for over twenty years in California, his last role as the Chief of Staff to San Diego City Councilmember Scott Sherman (2012-2020). As Chief of Staff, he put Republican ideas into public policy action and advocated for restoring and strengthening property rights, reducing government regulation and fees, promoting school choice, and insisting on personal responsibility. He was an early and leading advocate for housing affordability to address California's housing crisis.

Barrett started in grassroots politics in 2002, has managed numerous political campaigns, and has been involved in dozens more. He developed and oversaw the execution of strategic campaign plans, including staff management, volunteer and donor cultivation and retention, and communicating to voters through mail, media, and direct voter contact. He worked for three State Assemblymembers in their Capitol and district offices. He served as a San Diego County Republican Party Central Committee member for nearly a decade and held leadership positions, including Vice Chairman from 2016-2020. He served as the Executive Director for the Ada County Republican Party in 2021-22 and the Third Vice Chairman in 2022-23.

Barrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focusing on strategic management and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Chico State University. He avidly reads history, especially classical Greek and Roman history. He has a passion for grilling, smoking, and dry-aging meats and enjoys hikes and snowboarding,

Barrett and his wife Julianna are "left coast refugees." They fled California to raise their children in a family-friendly environment. Their daughters, June and Penelope, were born free in Idaho. They purchased their dream home in Eagle in 2021 and have family in Middleton, Idaho.