Clay Higgins

Clay Higgins Biography

Clay Higgins is an American politician and reserve law enforcement officer from Louisiana, widely recognized for his tough-on-crime persona and viral “Crime Stoppers” videos as the public information officer for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Since 2017, Higgins has served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd congressional district, known for his outspoken style and conservative views.

Childhood

Glen Clay Higgins was born on August 24, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the state and is a lifelong resident, deeply rooted in Louisiana’s culture and communities. Raised with a background that combined rural and urban experiences, Higgins later spoke about growing up on a horse ranch and living in the culturally rich Acadiana region, which shaped much of his identity and public persona.

Education

Higgins joined the Louisiana National Guard Military Police Corps at age 18, serving from 1979 to 1985 and rising to the rank of staff sergeant. While formal academic details are limited, his training and experience with military policing provided the foundation for his law enforcement career. Throughout his career, he also gained practical law enforcement training and certifications necessary for his various policing roles.

Career

Higgins began his law enforcement career in 2004 as a patrol officer with the Opelousas Police Department. Over the years, he worked with multiple police departments including Port Barre and St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, where he eventually became the public information officer. Higgins gained national attention for creating hard-hitting Crime Stoppers videos which often featured raw language and direct messages that helped recover stolen property and apprehend criminals. His style made him a controversial but effective figure in law enforcement. In 2016, he transitioned to politics, winning a seat as U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd district. While serving in Congress, Higgins has maintained reserve law enforcement commissions, including a deputy marshal role in Lafayette until 2019 and with the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.

Family Life

Clay Higgins is known to keep much of his private life discreet. He is married and has children. While specifics about his family members are limited in public records, he often speaks about his values and includes references to family and faith as important parts of his life.

Achievements

Higgins’ success includes becoming one of Louisiana’s high-profile politicians with a strong populist and law-and-order image. His Crime Stoppers videos were considered some of the most effective in U.S. law enforcement history, contributing to numerous arrests and recoveries. His election to Congress in 2016 marked a significant career milestone. Higgins is recognized for leveraging his law enforcement background to influence public safety policies and conservative legislative priorities in Washington.

Controversies

Higgins’ career has not been without controversy. In 2007, he was investigated for excessive use of force and making false statements related to an incident with a handcuffed individual. There were further accusations regarding unprofessional conduct and misuse of his badge and uniform for personal profit. His aggressive law enforcement style and outspoken political rhetoric have drawn criticism and sparked debates about policing and political conduct. Despite this, Higgins remains a popular figure among his supporters, who admire his tough stance on crime.

Clay Higgins Summary

Clay Higgins is a Louisiana politician and former law enforcement officer known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to crime and politics. Rising from a military police background, he gained fame as a sheriff’s office spokesperson before winning election to Congress. His career blends public safety advocacy with conservative political ideals, alongside a sometimes controversial reputation. Higgins continues to be an influential voice in Louisiana and national politics.