Jody Hice

Jody B. Hice is an American politician and former U.S. Representative who served Georgia's 10th congressional district from 2015 until January 3, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Hice is known for his conservative positions and his alignment with the America First movement. Prior to his tenure in Congress, he was a pastor and radio show host, and he has been involved in various political activities, including a bid for the Georgia Secretary of State in 2022.

Early life and career

Jody B. Hice was born on April 22, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia. He pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. Following this, he obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Hice furthered his studies by earning a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Before entering politics, Hice had a significant career in ministry. He became the senior pastor of Bethlehem First Baptist Church in Bethlehem, Georgia, in 1998, a position he held until April 2010. During his time in ministry, he also served as the first vice president of the Georgia Baptist Convention from 2004 to 2005. In addition to his pastoral duties, Hice was a Professor of Preaching at Luther Rice Seminary, where he contributed to the education of future ministers.

In 2002, Hice began hosting a talk radio show titled "Let Freedom Ring," which was initially broadcast on WIMO 1300 AM in Bethlehem, Georgia. This platform allowed him to engage with political issues and share his views with a wider audience. After leaving his pastoral role at Bethlehem First Baptist Church, he became the senior pastor at The Summit Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Loganville, Georgia, where he served until December 2013. His departure from this position was motivated by his decision to run for political office.

House tenure

Hice's political career began with an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia's 7th congressional district in 2010, where he lost the Republican nomination to Rob Woodall. However, he later found success in the 2014 election cycle when he entered the race for Georgia's 10th congressional district, which had become an open seat following the announcement of incumbent Paul Broun's candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Hice formally entered the race on April 15, 2013, focusing on government spending as a primary concern. His campaign was part of a crowded field, with six other candidates also vying for the Republican nomination. In the May 20 primary, Hice received the highest percentage of votes, finishing first with approximately 34%. As no candidate secured a majority, a runoff election was held between Hice and Mike Collins, where Hice emerged victorious with a majority of the votes.

In the general election held in November 2014, Hice won decisively, garnering over 66% of the vote in what was characterized as a Republican wave year. He was re-elected in subsequent elections, including 2016, 2018, and 2020, consistently defeating his Democratic opponents.

During his time in Congress, Hice was involved in several notable events, including an attempt to object to the counting of Georgia's electoral votes in January 2021, following the controversial 2020 presidential election. His actions were part of a broader movement among some Republican representatives who sought to challenge the election results.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hice served on several committees, which shaped his legislative focus. He was a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, where he participated in subcommittees addressing energy, mineral resources, and water-related issues. Additionally, he served on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he held the position of Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and was also involved in the Subcommittee on National Security.

Hice's legislative priorities reflected his conservative ideology. He identified as a "constitutional conservative" and was known for his strong support of the Trump administration's policies. He was a member of various caucuses, including the Freedom Caucus, the Congressional Western Caucus, and the Republican Study Committee, which aligned with his conservative views.

In terms of specific policy positions, Hice advocated for a balanced budget amendment and supported auditing the Federal Reserve. He was a co-sponsor of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act and voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Conversely, he opposed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, aligning with the majority of his Republican colleagues.

Hice was also a vocal opponent of abortion, expressing strong pro-life views and opposing any family planning assistance that included abortion services. His stance on this issue was characterized by a commitment to conservative values regarding life and family.

In June 2021, Hice was one of a minority of House Republicans who voted against a resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 attack. This vote was indicative of his alignment with a faction of the Republican Party that questioned the narratives surrounding the events of that day.

In 2021, Hice was among a small group of Republican representatives who voted against a measure condemning the coup d'état in Myanmar, further illustrating his distinct legislative approach and priorities.

In addition to his congressional duties, Hice sought to expand his political influence by running for the position of Georgia Secretary of State in 2022. His campaign was marked by controversy, particularly regarding his alignment with former President Trump and his claims about the 2020 election. Despite receiving Trump's endorsement, Hice lost the primary election to incumbent Brad Raffensperger.

Hice's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives concluded on January 3, 2023, after serving four terms in office. His career reflects a blend of religious leadership, conservative activism, and engagement in national politics, leaving a distinct mark on Georgia's political landscape during his time in office.