Mike Collins Jr.

Michael Allen Collins Jr. is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since 2023. Collins is the son of the late Mac Collins, who previously held a congressional seat in Georgia. His professional background includes entrepreneurship in the trucking industry and leadership roles in local business organizations.

Early life and career

Mike Collins was born on July 2, 1967, in Jackson, Georgia. He completed his early education at Piedmont Academy in Monticello, graduating in 1985. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Georgia State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1990.

After completing his education, Collins ventured into the business world, co-founding a trucking company with his wife, Leigh Ann, in the early 1990s. His entrepreneurial efforts extended beyond trucking; he also took on significant roles in the financial sector, notably serving on the board and as chairman of one of Georgia's largest credit unions. Additionally, Collins was active in his local community, holding the position of president of the local chamber of commerce, where he contributed to the promotion of business interests and economic development in the region.

Collins's familial connection to politics is noteworthy; he is the son of Mac Collins, who represented Georgia's 8th congressional district from 1993 to 2005. This background likely influenced Collins's own political aspirations and understanding of the legislative process.

House tenure

Mike Collins entered the political arena with his first campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, aiming to represent Georgia's 10th congressional district. During that election cycle, he ran in a primary to succeed incumbent Paul Broun, who chose not to seek reelection. Collins finished second in the primary, advancing to a runoff election against Jody Hice, who ultimately won the nomination.

Years later, in 2022, Collins announced his candidacy for the same congressional seat after Hice declared he would not run for reelection. His campaign was marked by controversial statements regarding the 2020 presidential election, which he claimed had been stolen. In a notable campaign advertisement, Collins brandished a firearm while making statements about voting integrity, which later became a point of discussion in relation to his views on gun control.

Collins secured the Republican nomination after a runoff election against Vernon Jones and subsequently won the general election on November 8, 2022, defeating Democratic nominee Tabitha Johnson-Green. His tenure in the House began in January 2023, and he is currently serving a term that is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.

During his time in office, Collins has faced scrutiny for some of his staff appointments. Notably, he hired Brandon Phillips as his chief of staff, who was arrested in late 2022 on charges of animal cruelty and had a history of previous criminal incidents. Following Phillips's departure, Kip Talley took over as chief of staff and was reported to have been involved in a group chat with individuals espousing white nationalist views.

Legislative focus and committees

Collins's legislative activities have spanned a variety of issues, reflecting his priorities and the interests of his constituents. He has been involved in significant votes and has introduced several pieces of legislation since taking office.

In December 2023, Collins voted to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and called for the resignation of Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. His stance on fiscal matters was highlighted when he was one of the Republicans who opposed the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. In a symbolic gesture, he utilized a music-themed display in the House to express his desire for the passage of appropriations bills.

Collins has also focused on counternarcotics legislation. His bill, the H.R. 1734 Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Act, successfully passed both chambers of Congress and was sent to the President for signing, marking a significant achievement for his freshman term.

On foreign policy, Collins demonstrated a willingness to break from party lines on certain issues. He was among a minority of Republicans who supported a resolution directing the President to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. Additionally, he voted in favor of providing support to Israel following attacks in October 2023 and expressed support for arms sales to Taiwan, although he opposed military aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Collins has also been active in immigration policy. In January 2024, he introduced the "RAZOR Act," aimed at preventing federal authorities from removing razor wire placed along the Texas-Mexico border. His comments regarding a migrant released from jail in New York City drew significant attention and controversy, as he suggested extreme measures against the individual, who was later cleared of wrongdoing.

In terms of social issues, Collins has co-sponsored legislation recognizing personhood at conception, reflecting his stance on abortion. His legislative efforts have also included the introduction of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft. This bill passed the House and was later signed into law.

As of November 2025, Collins is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, indicating ongoing scrutiny regarding his actions and decisions while in office.

Overall, Mike Collins's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives has been marked by a blend of traditional Republican values and a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents in Georgia's 10th district. His background in business and local leadership continues to inform his legislative priorities as he navigates the complexities of federal governance.