Andrew Clyde

Andrew S. Clyde is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this office since January 3, 2021. Clyde's district encompasses a significant portion of exurban and rural areas northeast of Atlanta, including cities such as Gainesville, Toccoa, Hartwell, and Dahlonega. He is known for his involvement in various legislative matters and has been a controversial figure in discussions surrounding the events of January 6, 2021.

Early life and career

Andrew Clyde was born on November 22, 1963, in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada. He spent his formative years in Indiana and New York. Clyde pursued higher education at Bethel University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and business management. His career in the military began when he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at the University of Notre Dame in 1985. Over the next 28 years, he served in various naval aviation units and the Seabees, participating in three combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. His military service earned him several accolades, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, and four Navy Commendation Medals. Clyde retired from the Navy in 2013 with the rank of commander.

In 1994, Clyde relocated to Athens, Georgia, where he had previously taught at the Navy Supply Corps School. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Business Administration in corporate finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business in 1999. Following his military career, Clyde ventured into the business world, founding Clyde Armory, Inc., a gun shop that began as a hobby in his garage in 1991. The business expanded significantly, moving to a commercial location in 1999 and eventually to a custom-built facility in 2010. By 2014, he had opened a second location in Warner Robins, Georgia, and grew the business to generate $12 million in annual sales, employing 25 people.

Clyde's business faced legal challenges when he was subject to a civil asset forfeiture of $940,000 by the Internal Revenue Service in 2013. This action was later reversed, and he received a refund of $900,000. Following this experience, Clyde became an advocate for reforming civil asset forfeiture procedures, providing testimony before the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight. His advocacy contributed to the passage of the Taxpayer First Act in 2019, which included provisions limiting government seizure of funds.

In addition to his business endeavors, Clyde served on the board of directors for Clarke Community Federal Credit Union and made significant contributions to local nonprofit organizations, including a donation of a facility to Mercy Health Center and the Athens Crisis Pregnancy Center, an anti-abortion organization.

House tenure

Clyde announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives for Georgia's 9th congressional district in 2020, following the decision of five-term incumbent Doug Collins to run for the United States Senate. During his campaign, Clyde took legal action against the city of Athens over a shelter-in-place order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that it forced his business to close. In the Republican primary, he finished second in a competitive nine-way race, ultimately winning a runoff election against State Representative Matt Gurtler. Given the Republican-leaning nature of the district, Clyde was favored to win the general election, which he did, defeating Democratic nominee Devin Pandy.

Clyde officially took office on January 3, 2021. His tenure has been marked by significant political events, particularly the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. On January 6, 2021, during the Electoral College vote count, Clyde was among 120 Republican representatives who voted against certifying the election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. His comments regarding the January 6 Capitol attack have drawn considerable attention; he characterized the event as "no insurrection" and likened it to a "normal tourist visit," despite having participated in barricading the House chamber during the incident. This stance has led to criticism from fellow lawmakers and heightened scrutiny of his actions.

Clyde's voting record includes notable opposition to several pieces of legislation. He was one of 12 House Republicans who voted against a resolution to award Congressional Gold Medals to the police who protected the Capitol during the January 6 attack. Additionally, he voted against legislation to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday, citing concerns about its title. In February 2022, he was one of three representatives to oppose the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which aimed to make lynching a federal hate crime. His actions have often placed him at odds with both party leadership and broader public sentiment.

Legislative focus and committees

In Congress, Clyde has focused on a range of issues reflecting his political beliefs and the interests of his constituents. His legislative priorities often align with conservative values, particularly in areas such as gun rights, fiscal responsibility, and limited government intervention. Clyde's background as a businessman and military veteran informs his approach to policy-making, emphasizing the importance of economic growth and national security.

Clyde has served on various committees during his time in the House, contributing to discussions and decisions on legislation that impacts both his district and the nation. His committee assignments have allowed him to engage with a wide array of issues, from defense and veterans' affairs to economic policy and public safety. Through his work, he aims to advocate for the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of federal legislation.

As Clyde continues his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, his actions and positions will likely remain a focal point of discussion, particularly as he approaches the end of his current term in January 2027. His tenure reflects the dynamic and often contentious nature of contemporary American politics, particularly within the context of a deeply polarized political landscape.