Career Path to Congress
Clay Higgins was born on August 24, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He pursued studies at Louisiana State University but left before earning a degree. Before entering politics, he worked in various roles, including as a car salesman and law enforcement officer.
Higgins gained national attention during his tenure as the public information officer for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, where his dramatic and no-nonsense “crime-stopper” videos earned him the nickname “Cajun John Wayne.” His outspoken approach drew both praise and controversy.
Congressional Career: In 2016, Higgins ran for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District seat after incumbent Charles Boustany vacated it to run for the Senate. Running as a Republican and political outsider, Higgins campaigned on a platform of strong law enforcement, fiscal conservatism, and support for constitutional rights. He won the election and has been re-elected consistently since.
Sponsored Bills
- Second Amendment Advocacy: Higgins has sponsored and supported bills aimed at protecting gun rights, including measures to prevent federal overreach on firearm regulations.
- Disaster Recovery: Higgins has introduced legislation aimed at expediting federal disaster relief and improving flood prevention infrastructure, critical issues for his district, which frequently experiences hurricanes and flooding.
- Energy Independence: Higgins has championed bills to bolster the oil and gas industry, including measures to expand offshore drilling and streamline energy production regulations.
- Border Security: He has been a vocal advocate for stronger immigration policies, sponsoring bills to enhance border security and provide resources for building barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Votes and Stances on Social Issues
- Abortion: Higgins is staunchly pro-life, supporting legislation to restrict abortion access, including federal bans on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy and defunding Planned Parenthood.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Higgins has opposed bills such as the Equality Act, citing concerns about religious liberty and the impacts on private businesses and organizations.
- Police and Justice Reform: As a former law enforcement officer, Higgins has opposed most police reform measures, criticizing efforts like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as undermining police authority. He has instead advocated for increased funding and resources for law enforcement agencies.
Votes and Stances on Economic Issues
- Taxes: Higgins strongly supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered corporate tax rates and provided individual tax cuts. He advocates for further reductions in tax burdens for individuals and businesses.
- Infrastructure: While supportive of infrastructure investments, Higgins has criticized large federal spending packages, arguing they include excessive unrelated expenditures. He has supported targeted funding for Louisiana’s critical infrastructure needs.
- Minimum Wage: Higgins opposes a federally mandated minimum wage increase, asserting that such measures should be determined by states and localities to reflect regional economic conditions.
Votes and Stances on National Defense, NDAA, and DARPA
- Defense Spending: Higgins has consistently supported robust defense budgets, including voting for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). He emphasizes the need for a strong military to address global threats.
- DARPA and Innovation: He has backed funding for technological advancements through DARPA, particularly in cybersecurity and defense innovation.
- Veterans: Higgins has supported legislation to expand healthcare access, job training, and mental health resources for veterans, highlighting his commitment to those who have served in the military.
Most Recent Demographic Data of Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District
- Population: Approximately 780,000 residents.
- Race/Ethnicity: The district is predominantly white (about 71%), with African Americans making up around 24%, and smaller percentages of Hispanic, Asian, and Native American residents.
- Income and Education: The median household income is approximately $50,000, slightly below the national average. The district includes both rural areas and small cities, with a strong economic focus on energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Controversial Statements
- COVID-19: Higgins faced criticism for his opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and public health measures, calling them federal overreach. He referred to vaccines as a personal choice and opposed mask mandates.
- Immigration Rhetoric: Higgins has used strong language to describe illegal immigration, calling it an “invasion” and advocating for militarized border security, which some critics view as inflammatory.
- Auschwitz Video: In 2017, Higgins filmed a video inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial to discuss the Holocaust and its lessons. The video was widely criticized as inappropriate and disrespectful. He later apologized.
- Social Media Posts: Higgins’ confrontational social media presence has drawn scrutiny. In one instance, he posted a warning about confronting armed protesters in Louisiana, which some interpreted as a threat.
This profile provides an overview of Clay Higgins’ legislative priorities, policy stances, and public statements to help voters assess his representation in Congress.