Michael McCaul

Michael McCaul is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 10th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Republican Party, he has chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee since 2023, having previously chaired the House Homeland Security Committee from 2013 to 2019. His district, which has been redrawn over time, includes parts of Austin and stretches into the Houston metropolitan area.

Early life and education

McCaul was born in Dallas and grew up in the city. He attended Trinity University in San Antonio, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and business. He subsequently pursued a legal education, receiving his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law. His academic background in law and history laid the foundation for his future career in public service and federal law enforcement.

Career before Congress

Before entering electoral politics, McCaul built a career as a federal prosecutor and government attorney. He served as a Department of Justice prosecutor in the Public Integrity Section, investigating corruption within the federal government. Following this role, he worked as a senior attorney for the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas. He also held the position of Texas Deputy Attorney General under then-Attorney General John Cornyn, focusing on law enforcement and legal counsel for the state.

U.S. House of Representatives

McCaul was first elected to the United States Congress in 2004, winning the seat previously held by Democrat Lloyd Doggett. He has been re-elected consistently since, often by wide margins in the Republican-leaning district. His committee assignments have been central to his influence, particularly his tenure as Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th through 115th Congresses. In this role, he oversaw legislation related to border security, cybersecurity, and the Department of Homeland Security. In 2023, he ascended to the chairmanship of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he shapes policy on matters involving U.S.-China relations, the war in Ukraine, and global counterterrorism efforts.

Political positions

McCaul is a conservative Republican whose positions align with the party's mainstream on foreign policy and national security. He is a strong supporter of the Israeli government and a vocal critic of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. He has advocated for a hardline stance against the Chinese Communist Party, co-sponsoring legislation like the Taiwan Policy Act. On domestic issues, he supports lower taxes, as evidenced by his vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and restrictive immigration policies. He has a mixed record on government surveillance, having supported the reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act but also working on reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Personal life

McCaul is married to Linda McCaul, the daughter of the founder and CEO of Clear Channel Communications, Lowry Mays. They have five children and reside in Austin. His family's substantial wealth, derived in part from his wife's family, has been noted in financial disclosures. He is a Roman Catholic and has been involved with charitable organizations in Texas, including those supporting veterans and military families.