Thom Goolsby holds a military background, graduating from The Citadel and serving as regimental commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He pursued a career in law, opening the Goolsby Law Firm and teaching at Campbell University. Goolsby earned advanced degrees in law and business, an M.B.A. and a J.D., before entering politics. He has experience in both the private and public sectors, including serving as counsel to the State Crime Commission and running for Attorney General. Goolsby has demonstrated leadership in the Republican Party and has held a seat in the North Carolina State Senate. His professional expertise includes financial services, where he was president of Empowered Investor Inc., although his investment adviser registrations were revoked in 2014.

Thom Goolsby's political identity is marked by a blend of fiscal conservatism and socially conservative stances, often packaged with a provocative rhetorical style. His advocacy for cutting state spending and controlling taxes aligns with traditional Republican economic policies, yet his support for mandatory, trans-vaginal ultrasounds for women seeking abortions reveals a socially rigid approach. Goolsby’s sponsorship of legislation that repealed the Racial Justice Act, coupled with his vocal opposition to the Moral Mondays protests, showcases a confrontational stance on racial and social justice issues. His favoring of the re-installation of the "Silent Sam" statue further underscores a contentious approach to historical and cultural matters.