Collins’ tenure in Congress has been marked by his focus on immigration issues, budget concerns, and support for conservative social policies. His background in business informs his approach to economic issues, while his statements on election integrity and immigration have drawn both support and criticism. As a representative of Georgia’s 10th district, Collins serves a diverse constituency with a mix of urban and rural areas, balancing the needs of a population with varying economic and demographic characteristics.
Mike Collins serves as the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 10th congressional district, a position he has held since 2023. He was born on July 2, 1967, in Jackson, Georgia. With a background in business and entrepreneurship, Collins brings valuable experience to his role in Congress.
Career Path to Congress
- Graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in business.
- Co-founded a trucking company with his wife, Leigh Ann, in the early 1990s, growing it to employ over 100 Georgians.
- Served on the board and as Chairman of one of Georgia’s largest credit unions.
- Held the position of president of his local Chamber of Commerce.
- Ran unsuccessfully for the 10th district seat in 2014, losing in the primary runoff.
- Won the Republican primary runoff in 2022 and subsequently secured victory in the general election.
Legislative Sponsorship
- Introduced the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Act, which passed both the House and Senate in December 2023.
- Proposed the Laken Riley Act, requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft.
- Introduced the “RAZOR Act,” aimed at preventing federal authorities from removing razor wire placed along the U.S.-Mexico border by Texas.
Stances on Social Issues
- Voted in favor of formalizing the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on December 13, 2023.
- Supported providing aid to Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack.
- Opposed providing military aid to Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
- Voted for H.Con.Res. 21, which sought to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
- Introduced legislation related to immigration enforcement, including the Laken Riley Act.
Stances on Economic Issues
- Advocates for cutting wasteful spending and reducing regulations on small businesses.
- Voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
- Supported a display calling for “12 appropriations bills” in December 2023, underscoring his focus on budget issues.
- Opposes student debt relief programs, voting in favor of overturning President Biden’s student debt relief plan.
10th District Demographics (as of 2022)
- Population: 771,000
- Median Age: 37.1 years
- Median Household Income: $71,341
- Ethnic Composition:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 63.7%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 22.9%
- White (Hispanic): 3.02%
- Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic): 2.93%
- Two or More Races (Hispanic): 2.37%
- U.S. Citizenship Rate: 97.1%
- Homeownership Rate: 70.7%
Controversial Statements and Actions
- During his 2022 campaign, Collins falsely claimed that Joe Biden had stolen the 2020 election5
- In a campaign ad, Collins shot at and exploded a voting machine while claiming Donald Trump had won Georgia in 20205
- Hired Brandon Phillips as his chief of staff despite Phillips’ arrest for animal cruelty and previous criminal incidents5
- Suggested that a migrant in New York City who was accused of attacking a police officer should be executed, referencing Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet’s “death flights”5