Andrew Clyde
Official portrait, 2022
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's 9th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2021
Preceded byDoug Collins
Personal details
Born
Andrew Scott Clyde

(1963-11-22) November 22, 1963
Walkerton, Ontario, Canada
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJennifer Morgan
Residence(s)Athens, Georgia, U.S.
EducationBethel University (BBA)
University of Georgia (MBA)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1985–1996 (active)
1996–2013 (reserve)
RankCommander

Andrew Scott Clyde (born November 22, 1963) is an American politician and gun store owner from the state of Georgia. A Republican, Clyde represents Georgia's 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, assuming office in 2021. The district serves a large swath of exurban and rural territory north of Atlanta, including Gainesville, Toccoa, Dawsonville, and Dahlonega.

In 2020, Clyde ran to represent Georgia's 9th congressional district. The same year, he sued Athens, Georgia, over its shelter-in-place COVID-19 restrictions. As a representative, Clyde voted against certifying Arizona's and Pennsylvania's 2020 U.S. presidential election results.[1] He described the 2021 United States Capitol attack as "no insurrection" and said it resembled a "normal tourist visit", even though he previously acknowledged that he had helped to barricade the House chamber "from the mob who tried to enter."[2]

Early life and education

Clyde was born on November 22, 1963,[3] in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, to American parents.[4][5] He grew up in Indiana and New York.[6] He attended and graduated cum laude from Bethel University with a BBA in accounting and business management, and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy through the University of Notre Dame's NROTC program in 1985. He served 28 years in naval aviation units and the Seabees, including three combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.[7][8][9][10]

Clyde received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, and four Navy Commendation Medals.[8] He retired with the rank of commander in 2013.[8][6] In 1994 he settled in Athens, Georgia, where he had taught at the Navy Supply Corps School. Clyde earned a Master of Business Administration in corporate finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business in 1999.[6][11]

Career

Clyde opened a gun shop, Clyde Armory, Inc., which began as a hobby business in his garage in 1991. He obtained commercial real estate in 1999 and moved in 2010 to a custom-built 12,400-square-foot (1,150 m2) edifice based on the design of a historic armory.[6] In 2014, Clyde opened a second location in Warner Robins, Georgia. He grew the business to $12 million in annual sales and 25 employees.[10] In 2013, he was subject to a civil asset forfeiture of $940,000 by the Internal Revenue Service. The action was later reversed, and he obtained a refund of $900,000.[8]

After the forfeiture, Clyde advocated reform of the procedure in testimony before the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight.[12] In 2019, Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed the Taxpayer First Act (H.R. 3151), which includes the Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act. The law limits what funds the government can seize.[13]

Clyde was a member of the board of directors of Clarke Community Federal Credit Union.[10]

In 2013 he donated a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) facility to Mercy Health Center and Athens Crisis Pregnancy Center, a nonprofit organization.[10]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2020

Clyde announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 9th congressional district after five-term incumbent Doug Collins decided not to seek reelection to run for the United States Senate. During the campaign, he sued the city of Athens, Georgia, over a shelter-in-place order imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic that he said compelled his business to close.[14]

Clyde finished second in the nine-way Republican primary behind State Representative Matt Gurtler in a runoff election. The 9th is one of the most Republican districts in the nation, and it was understood whoever won the runoff would be heavily favored to be the district's next congressman.[15][16] Clyde won the August 11 runoff.[17]

Clyde defeated Democratic nominee and former U.S. Army warrant officer Devin Pandy in the November general election,[18] and assumed office on January 3, 2021.[19]

Tenure

On January 6, 2021, during the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Clyde was one of 120 Republican representatives who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results in both Arizona and Pennsylvania.[1][20] On March 17, 2021, he also was one of 12 House Republicans to vote against HR 1085 to award three Congressional Gold Medals to the United States police who protected the U.S. Capitol during the 2021 United States Capitol attack.[21][22][23] In June 2021, Clyde and 20 other House Republicans voted against a similar resolution.[24]

In May 2021, during a House Oversight Committee hearing, Clyde said that the Capitol attack was "no insurrection" and that there was video of the event that resembled a "normal tourist visit", with Trump supporters behaving "in an orderly fashion, staying between the stanchions and ropes taking videos and pictures". During that same hearing, Clyde acknowledged that during the attack, he "helped barricade the [House chamber] door until almost 3 p.m. from the mob who tried to enter".[25][2][26] Fellow lawmakers Adam Kinzinger and Eric Swalwell criticized him for later refusing to shake the hand of a police officer who had been beaten unconscious during the attack.[27]

In June 2021, Clyde was among 14 House Republicans who voted against legislation to establish June 19, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday.[28] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Clyde "supported the holiday but didn't like its title, Juneteenth National Independence Day".[29]

On February 28, 2022, Clyde was one of three representatives to vote against the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which made lynching a federal hate crime.[30][31]

In April 2022, he led a Republican effort to block the naming of a federal building in Florida after Joseph W. Hatchett, the first Black State Supreme Court judge in Florida and south of the Mason–Dixon line.[31] Clyde justified the action, saying that Hatchett had ruled to block prayer at public schools.[31] Naming of federal buildings is usually among the more mundane uncontroversial tasks of Congress, and it is usually accomplished without debate or a recorded vote.[31]

On November 3, 2022, Clyde introduced the Expose Biden's Inflation, Deficits, and Economic Neglect (BIDEN) Act.[32]

In February 2023, Clyde co-sponsored a bill to designate the "AR-15-style rifle" the National Gun of the United States.[33][34]

Clyde was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[35]

Clyde voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[36][37]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[38]

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Clyde and his wife, Jennifer, live in unincorporated Jackson County[41] (with an Athens address).[42] Clyde is a Baptist.[43]

References

  1. 1 2 Stevens, Harry; Santamariña, Daniela; Rabinowitz, Kate; Uhrmacher, Kevin; Muyskens, John (January 7, 2021). "How members of Congress voted on counting the electoral college vote". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Edelman, Adam; Haake, Garrett (May 12, 2021). "Republican loyal to Trump claims Capitol riot looked more like 'normal tourist visit'". NBC News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  3. ↑ Bowden, John (November 30, 2020). "Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.-09)". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA)". Armenian National Committee of America.
  5. ↑ Gill, Jeff (October 13, 2020). "U.S. House 9th District preview: What motivated Andrew Clyde to run for Congress". Dawson County News. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Gun dealer finds inspiration for new building". Savannah Morning News. Associated Press. May 29, 2010. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  7. ↑ "2 May 1985, 34 - The South Bend Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Reed, Megan (February 27, 2020). "Athens business owner Andrew Clyde to run for 9th District in U.S. House". Forsyth County News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
  9. ↑ Kallis, Sarah (June 10, 2020). "Election 2020: Clyde, Gurtler qualify for GOP runoff in 9th Congressional District". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Diaz, Lissa (September 24, 2015). "Wall of Fame Recipients Honored". Bethel Magazine. Bethel University. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  11. ↑ Reed, Megan (February 26, 2020). "Athens business owner Andrew Clyde to run for 9th District in U.S. House". The Gainesville Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  12. ↑ Thompson, Jim (February 12, 2015). "Athens gun shop owner testifies to Congress on asset seizure". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  13. ↑ Shearer, Lee (June 22, 2019). "Federal bill bears Athens man's name". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  14. ↑ Shearer, Lee (March 25, 2020). "Gun dealer sues over Athens-Clarke shelter-in-place ordinance". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on May 27, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
  15. ↑ Amy, Jeff (August 6, 2020). "Clyde, Gurtler, vie for Republican nod in northeast Georgia". Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  16. ↑ Williams, Dave (June 10, 2020). "Matt Gurtler, Andrew Clyde likely runoff opponents in Georgia's 9th Congressional District". Dawson County News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
  17. ↑ Gill, Jeff (August 11, 2020). "Andrew Clyde wins Republican nomination to US House 9th District". The Gainesville Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Republican Andrew Clyde wins election to U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District". The Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  19. ↑ Gill, Jeff (December 31, 2020). "Andrew Clyde returning to D.C., where his successful run for Congress was inspired". The Gainesville Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021.
  20. ↑ Chang, Alvin (January 7, 2021). "The long list of Republicans who voted to reject election results". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  21. ↑ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 87". United States House of Representatives. March 17, 2021.
  22. ↑ Itkowitz, Colby; Flynn, Meagan (March 17, 2021). "A dozen Republicans voted against Congressional Gold Medals for police who protected them on Jan. 6". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  23. ↑ "H.R.1085 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): To award three congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021". Congress.gov. March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  24. ↑ Grayer, Annie; Wilson, Kristin (June 16, 2021). "21 Republicans vote no on bill to award Congressional Gold Medal for January 6 police officers". CNN. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  25. ↑ Harvey, Josephine (June 17, 2021). "Cop Beaten In Capitol Riot Slams 'Coward' GOP Lawmaker Who Refused His Handshake". The Huffington Post.
  26. ↑ "Photo shows Rep. Clyde barricading door during insurrection" (video). CNN. May 18, 2021.
  27. ↑ Allassan, Fadel (June 17, 2021). "GOP lawmaker refuses to shake hand of officer who protected Capitol on Jan. 6". Axios.
  28. ↑ Grayer, Annie; Diaz, Danielle (June 16, 2021). "Congress passes bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday". CNN. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  29. ↑ Mitchell, Tia (June 16, 2021). "U.S. House sends Juneteenth holiday bill to Biden". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  30. ↑ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 47".
  31. 1 2 3 4 Karni, Annie (April 12, 2022). "House G.O.P., Banding Together, Kills Bid to Honor Pioneering Black Judge". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  32. ↑ "H.R.9263 - Expose BIDEN Act". congress.gov. U.S. House Of Representatives. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  33. ↑ Ibrahim, Nur (February 26, 2023). "George Santos Wants to Make the AR-15 America's 'National Gun'". Snopes. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  34. ↑ Prater, Nia (February 23, 2023). "George Santos Wants to Make the AR-15 America's 'National Gun'". New York. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  35. ↑ Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). "Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no". The Hill. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  36. ↑ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  37. ↑ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ↑ "Andrew S. Clyde". Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  39. ↑ "Membership". Republican Study Committee. December 6, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  40. ↑ Haroun, Azmi. "13 members of the pro-Trump House Freedom Caucus refused to condemn Myanmar's generals who violently overthrew elected leaders". Business Insider. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  41. ↑ "9th District congressional candidates share their platforms". Hartwell Sun. May 6, 2020. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  42. ↑ Official member list for 117th Congress
  43. ↑ "Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress" (PDF). Pew Research Center. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 16, 2023.
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