40 Facts About Clay Higgins

Early Life and Background

Clay Higgins, known for his strong conservative stance, has a rich and varied background that shaped his career in politics and law enforcement.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born Glen Clay Higgins on August 24, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the seventh of eight children. His family moved to Covington, Louisiana, when he was six years old.

2. Family Background: Higgins hails from an Irish community in New Orleans, with a heritage that spans 200 years.

3. Education: After graduating from Covington High School, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU) but did not complete his degree.

4. Military Service: At 18, Higgins enlisted in the Military Police Corps of the Louisiana National Guard, serving from 1979 to 1985 and reaching the rank of staff sergeant (E-6).

Law Enforcement Career

Before stepping into politics, Higgins had a notable career in law enforcement, which significantly influenced his public persona.

5. Law Enforcement Career: Higgins began as a patrol officer for the Opelousas City Police Department in 2004.

6. Resignation from Opelousas Police Department: He resigned in 2007 due to disciplinary action for using unnecessary force and making false statements during an internal investigation.

7. Work at St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office: In 2011, he joined the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and was promoted to captain and public information officer (PIO) in 2014.

8. Crime Stoppers Videos: Higgins gained national attention for his Crime Stoppers videos, earning the nickname "Cajun John Wayne" for his aggressive tone and style.

Political Career

Higgins transitioned from law enforcement to politics, where he continues to make waves with his conservative views.

9. Political Ambitions: Initially considering a career in reality television, Higgins decided to run for Congress in 2016.

10. Entry into Politics: He won the runoff election on December 10, 2016, against fellow Republican Scott Angelle.

11. Congressional Career: Sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2017, representing Louisiana's 3rd congressional district.

12. Party Affiliation: A Republican, Higgins is identified as a far-right member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Legislative Work and Views

Higgins's legislative work and views reflect his conservative principles and law enforcement background.

13. Committee Assignments: He serves on the House Homeland Security Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.

14. Subcommittee Roles: Higgins is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee within the House Homeland Security Committee.

15. Conservative Views: Advocating for smaller government, lower taxes, secure borders, and individual freedoms, Higgins is a champion of conservative principles.

16. Gun Rights Advocacy: A strong supporter of gun rights, Higgins opposes firearm regulations, believing guns were not heavily regulated in America before the 1960s.

17. Abortion Stance: Higgins is strongly anti-abortion and has expressed his opposition to abortion rights.

18. Border Security: Vocal about the need for secure borders, he advocates for stricter immigration policies.

19. Military Support: Higgins supports increased military spending to ensure America's military remains invincible.

20. Climate Change Skepticism: He has expressed skepticism about human-caused climate change, questioning the science behind it.

Controversies and Public Perception

Higgins's career has not been without controversy, often stemming from his outspoken nature and aggressive style.

21. Holocaust Comments: During a visit to Auschwitz, Higgins recorded a controversial video inside the gas chambers without mentioning Jews or the Holocaust.

22. Controversial Statements: He has made several controversial statements, including calling for the killing of Islamic terrorists and criticizing modern hysteria over guns.

23. Personal Redemption Narrative: Higgins often references his time in law enforcement and military service as transformative experiences in his narrative of personal redemption.

24. Family Life: Residing in Lafayette with his wife, Becca, Higgins has faced personal challenges, including the death of his first wife and child.

25. Irish Heritage: Proud of his Irish heritage from New Orleans, Higgins believes it has influenced his strong sense of community and justice.

Personal and Professional Challenges

Despite his success, Higgins has faced numerous challenges both personally and professionally.

26. Ranching Background: Growing up on a ranch in Covington, Higgins developed a strong work ethic and a love for horses.

27. Political Identity: His political identity was shaped early on, including passing out leaflets for Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential election at age 11.

28. Military Police Experience: His experience as a Military Police Officer helped him transition smoothly into law enforcement.

29. SWAT Team Membership: Joining the SWAT team early in his career, Higgins developed a sense of camaraderie and purpose.

30. Financial Struggles: Higgins has spoken about financial struggles during his early years in law enforcement, including bouncing checks and having lights turned off at home.

Media and Public Persona

Higgins's media presence and public persona have played a significant role in his career.

31. Public Service Announcements: As the PIO for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Higgins produced several viral public service announcements (PSAs).

32. Viral Videos: His Crime Stoppers videos were both popular and polarizing, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a provocateur.

33. Media Portrayal: Dubbed "America's most irresistibly intimidating cop" by The Washington Post, Higgins's intense baritone and law-and-order persona have made a lasting impression.

34. Cultural Impact: His videos and public persona have had a significant cultural impact, with comparisons to the iconic character Joe Friday from "Dragnet".

Controversy and Effectiveness

Higgins's career has been marked by both controversy and recognition for his effectiveness as a legislator.

35. Controversy Over Police Conduct: Higgins has faced controversy over his police conduct, including allegations of using unnecessary force and making false statements.

36. Sheriff’s Office Departure: He resigned from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office after a viral video where he called a group of predominantly black gang members "thugs," "heathens," and "animals".

37. Public Perception of Redemption: Higgins's narrative of redemption has been questioned by his former boss, who claims he would have never given him a second chance if he’d known the truth about his past actions.

38. Congressional Effectiveness: The Center for Effective Lawmaking has ranked Higgins as one of the most effective Republican legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives.

39. Current Role: As a congressman, Higgins continues to hold a law enforcement commission in a reserve capacity with the Louisiana Attorney General's office.

40. Ongoing Commitment: Reflecting his ongoing commitment to public service and law enforcement, Higgins remains a prominent figure in Louisiana politics, advocating for his constituents and pushing for his conservative agenda in Congress.

Clay Higgins: A Complex Figure in American Politics

Clay Higgins, with his law enforcement background and conservative views, has carved out a unique place in American politics. Representing Louisiana's 3rd congressional district since 2017, he's known for his strong stance on gun rights, border security, and military support. His viral Crime Stoppers videos earned him the nickname "Cajun John Wayne," showcasing his tough, no-nonsense approach. However, his career hasn't been without controversy, from his resignation over police conduct to his controversial statements on various issues. Despite these challenges, Higgins remains a prominent figure, advocating for his constituents and pushing his conservative agenda. His story is one of personal redemption, marked by a commitment to public service and a strong sense of justice. Whether you see him as a hero or a provocateur, there's no denying Clay Higgins's impact on Louisiana politics.