Originally from Augusta, Barrett moved to Cumming in 1990 working as a banker for Wachovia.[6] He co-founded Forsyth, Georgia-based Community Business Bank in 2008, before selling it to Community and Southern Bank in 2015.[6] He later worked for Affinity Bank.[5] Barrett is on the board of directors of Forsyth County Chamber.[7]
In 2022, Barrett defeated incumbent Sheri Gilligan in the primary following a runoff;[8] Gilligan previously opposed aspects of then-Speaker David Ralston's mental health bill, and Ralston's campaign committee supported Barrett, helping him to raise over $280,000.[8] He went on to defeat Democratic challenger Sydney Walker in November 2022.
In an interview in 2022, Barrett said the 24th House district is "the only political office I ever intend to run for."[6] The Coalition of Advocates for Georgia's Elderly honored Barrett as 2023 Outstanding Legislator of the Year.[9]