Andrew Clyde

Andrew Scott Clyde is an American politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected in 2020 to succeed Doug Collins. Clyde attended the University of Notre Dame through the NROTC program and graduated from Bethel University with a B.B.A. in 1985. He later earned an M.B.A. in corporate finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia in 1999. Before entering politics, he served 28 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of commander. His military service included three combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, for which he received several commendations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Outside of his military service, Clyde is a prominent small business owner. In 1991, he established Clyde Armory, a firearms business based in Athens, Georgia, which he grew into a significant enterprise with multiple locations. His entry into the public spotlight began partly due to his legal challenges against the Internal Revenue Service over civil asset forfeiture and his opposition to local COVID-19 restrictions. Since taking office, he has been an active member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Budget, focusing on fiscal policy and federal oversight. Clyde's tenure in Congress has been marked by his alignment with the conservative wing of the Republican Party. He gained national attention for being one of the 120 House Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania. He is known for his role in introducing legislation aimed at government reform and national sovereignty, such as the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act. He represents a district that covers a large area of northeast Georgia, including cities such as Gainesville and Dahlonega.

Andrew Clyde holds strongly conservative positions across major policy areas. On the economy, he advocates for significant reductions in federal spending and the elimination of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), favoring a national sales tax instead. He has voted against major fiscal packages like the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, citing concerns over the national debt. Regarding immigration, Clyde supports strict enforcement and the completion of a southern border wall. He introduced the Territorial Protection and Sovereignty (TPS) Act to repeal Temporary Protected Status and has consistently voted for measures requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. A staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, Clyde is a vocal advocate for gun rights, proposing the elimination of many federal restrictions and taxes on firearms; he notably co-sponsored legislation to designate the AR-15-style rifle as the 'National Gun of the United States.' In environmental policy, he has expressed a desire to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce regulatory burdens. His foreign policy stance is characterized by support for Israel while opposing continued multi-billion dollar aid packages to Ukraine, emphasizing a 'non-interventionist' or 'America First' approach to international funding. Additionally, he opposes abortion rights, frequently citing a 'right to life' based on his interpretation of the Declaration of Independence.