Rich McCormick

Richard McCormick is an American physician and politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's 7th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he began his tenure in the House of Representatives in 2023 and is set to serve until January 3, 2027. McCormick has a background in both medicine and military service, having spent over two decades in the United States Marine Corps and Navy before transitioning into a political career.

Early life and career

Richard Dean McCormick was born on October 7, 1968, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He completed his secondary education at Central Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1986. Following high school, McCormick pursued higher education at Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from National University in 1999 and achieved his Doctor of Medicine degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2010.

In addition to his academic pursuits, McCormick has a distinguished military career. He served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy for over 20 years. During his time in the Marine Corps, he was a Naval Aviator and piloted the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. His military service included deployments in various regions, including Africa, South Korea, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. McCormick reached the rank of commander while serving as a Medical Corps officer in the Navy. His military background also includes a notable appearance in a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting commercial titled “Chess.”

After completing his military service, McCormick transitioned into the medical field as an emergency physician. He currently practices at Gwinnett Medical Center, where he applies his medical expertise in a clinical setting.

House tenure

McCormick's entry into politics began with his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives. He announced his intention to run for Georgia's 7th congressional district after the incumbent, Rob Woodall, decided not to seek reelection in the 2020 elections. McCormick participated in the Republican primary, where he secured more than 50% of the vote, thus avoiding a runoff. However, he lost the general election to Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux.

Following the redistricting process that occurred after the 2020 U.S. census, McCormick shifted his focus to the newly drawn Georgia's 6th congressional district for the 2022 elections. This district was perceived to be more favorable to Republican candidates. In a competitive Republican primary featuring nine candidates, McCormick advanced to a runoff election, where he defeated Jake Evans. He subsequently won the general election against Democrat Bob Christian on November 8, 2022.

Since taking office, McCormick has participated in various legislative activities. Notably, he was among a group of 71 Republicans who voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. He also sponsored a resolution that censured fellow Representative Rashida Tlaib for her comments regarding the Hamas attack on Israel, which he claimed promoted false narratives.

In December 2023, McCormick faced controversy when fellow Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene accused him of inappropriate physical conduct during a public disagreement. McCormick acknowledged the interaction and expressed regret, but an investigation by the Speaker of the House found insufficient evidence to corroborate Greene's claims.

In early 2024, following the New Hampshire Republican primary, McCormick endorsed Donald Trump's presidential campaign, calling on conservatives to unite behind Trump. This endorsement came after he had previously supported Ron DeSantis's bid for the presidency. McCormick's political activities included participating in a rally for Trump in Atlanta, where he expressed his belief that Trump deserved recognition for his contributions to peace.

McCormick has also made statements regarding federal spending, advocating for cuts to non-discretionary spending programs. He emphasized the need for bipartisan discussions on significant budgetary issues, including Social Security and Medicare. His views on education and social programs have sparked debate; he criticized universal free lunches for high school students, suggesting that older students should seek employment instead.

In February 2025, McCormick held a town hall meeting in Roswell, Georgia, which attracted a large number of constituents, indicating a growing trend of public engagement and scrutiny faced by Republican members of Congress during Trump's second term.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, McCormick has been assigned to several key committees that align with his interests and expertise. For the 119th Congress, he serves on the Committee on Armed Services, where he is involved in matters related to national defense and military operations. Within this committee, he is a member of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, as well as the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

Additionally, McCormick is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which addresses issues related to international relations and diplomacy. His role on this committee allows him to engage in discussions and decisions that impact U.S. foreign policy.

McCormick also serves on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he contributes to legislative efforts concerning scientific research and technological advancement. Within this committee, he holds the position of Chair for the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, overseeing inquiries and investigations related to scientific integrity and accountability. Furthermore, he is a member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, focusing on issues related to space exploration and aeronautics.

Through his committee assignments, McCormick has the opportunity to influence legislation and policy in areas that are critical to both his constituents and the broader national interest. His background in medicine and military service informs his perspectives on various legislative matters, shaping his approach as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.