Who Is Clay Higgins

Who is Clay Higgins: 2025 guide to Louisiana Rep—bio, "Cajun John Wayne" fame, military/police career, controversies (Epstein vote, Auschwitz), committees & positions.

From viral "Cajun John Wayne" Crime Stoppers videos to becoming one of Congress's most outspoken conservatives, who is Clay Higgins—the Republican U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd District whose fiery rhetoric and lone votes make headlines in 2025? Born Glen Clay Higgins in 1961, the former law enforcement officer and Army veteran has represented southwest Louisiana since 2017, earning a reputation as a Trump loyalist, Freedom Caucus member, and defender of Second Amendment rights while chairing key subcommittees on federal law enforcement. This exhaustive 2025 guide covers his biography, military and police career, path to Congress, legislative record, major controversies (including his sole "no" vote on Epstein files release), family life, and future outlook—your definitive resource on this polarizing figure.

Early Life and Education: Roots in Louisiana

Glen Clay Higgins was born August 24, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the seventh of eight children in a working-class family that moved to Covington when he was six. 

Formative Years

• Grew up on a horse ranch, instilling strong work ethic and rural values.
• Graduated Covington High School.
• Attended Louisiana State University (LSU) intermittently (1979–1983, 1989–1990)—no degree completed.

His large family and Cajun heritage shaped his blunt, no-nonsense style—often called "Captain Higgins" from law enforcement days.

Military Service: Foundations in Discipline

Higgins served in the U.S. Army and Louisiana Army National Guard as a Military Police officer, attaining Staff Sergeant (E-6).9d63db

Key Military Highlights

• Initial police training in MP Corps.
• Active duty in Central America (1980s).
• Honorable discharge; maintains veteran status.

This experience fueled his "law and order" worldview, later evident in congressional focus on border security and veterans' issues.

Law Enforcement Career: From Patrolman to "Cajun John Wayne"

Before politics, Higgins built a controversial yet viral profile in Louisiana policing.

Timeline

• 1980s–2000s: Various roles, including Opelousas Police Department (resigned amid excessive force allegations—admitted striking handcuffed suspect).4eab84
• 2014–2016: St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office Captain—gained fame with "Crime Stoppers" videos calling out suspects directly ("You will be hunted...").
• Videos went mega-viral (millions views), earning "Cajun John Wayne" nickname but criticism for inflammatory language.ce540e
• Resigned 2016 amid disputes over video tone.

Maintains reserve commission with Louisiana Attorney General's office. 

Path to Congress: Viral Fame to Victory

Higgins leveraged Crime Stoppers fame for politics.

Elections

• 2016: Won LA-3 open seat runoff (56% vs. Scott Angelle).
• Re-elected 2018–2024 with 60%+ margins.
• 2024: Unopposed primary; won general easily.

District: Southwest Louisiana (Lafayette, Lake Charles)—oil, Cajun culture, conservative stronghold.

Committee Assignments and Legislative Focus in 2025 (119th Congress)

Higgins serves on powerful panels in the Republican majority.

Current Committees (2025)

• Oversight and Government Reform: Senior member; Chairman, Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee—investigates DOJ/FBI.0a725c
• Armed Services: Subcommittees on Readiness; Seapower and Projection Forces.
• Homeland Security: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.

Sponsored bills: Fisheries modernization, Coast Guard veterans certification, DC policing protection.

Priorities: Border security, energy independence, anti-"deep state."

Visit his official site clayhiggins.house.gov for bills and news.

Major Controversies: From Auschwitz Video to Epstein Vote

Higgins's outspokenness draws fire.

Key Incidents

• 2017 Auschwitz Video: Filmed in Gas Chamber**: Called "reverent homage"—criticized as disrespectful; apologized.
• 2024 Haitian Migrants Post: Called immigrants "thugs"—deleted amid racism accusations of racism.
• November 2025 Epstein Files Vote: Sole "no" on transparency act—cited privacy for innocents; backlash intensified scrutiny of past.
• Other: Associations with Oath Keepers/Three Percenters; Holocaust Memorial video fallout.

Defends as free speech champion.

Political Positions and Voting Record

Hardline conservative.

• Pro-life, pro-2A, anti-immigration reform.
• Supports Trump agenda; voted against Ukraine aid restrictions.
• Rated highly effective by Center for Effective Law making. 

Personal Life: Family and Faith

Higgins married four times; current wife Becca since 2009. 

Four children from previous marriages (names private).

Devout Christian; faith central to worldview.

Becca suffered neurological episode 2023—recovered.

2025 Outlook: Higgins in Trump's Second Term

With Trump return, Higgins positioned for influence on oversight, border.

Potential: Chair full committees or lead investigations.

Conclusion: The Enigma of Clay Higgins

Who is Clay Higgins? A military veteran, viral lawman-turned-congressman whose "Cajun John Wayne" persona blends patriotism with controversy—defending America First while drawing fire for rhetoric and votes like Epstein files opposition. From Opelousas streets to Capitol Hill, he embodies unfiltered conservatism in polarized times.

Stay updated—visit clayhiggins.house.gov or follow on X. Thoughts on his Epstein stance? Share below, tag a friend, and let's discuss. Truth matters—engage!