Rick Allen (politician)

Rick Allen (politician). Richard Wayne Allen is an American businessman and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 12th congressional district since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, his district encompasses much of east-central Georgia, including the cities of Augusta, Statesboro, and Dublin. Prior to his political career, Allen founded and operated a large commercial construction company based in Augusta.

Early life and education

Richard Wayne Allen was born on November 7, 1951, in Augusta, Georgia. He grew up in the Augusta area and attended local schools. For his higher education, Allen enrolled at Auburn University in Alabama, where he studied Building Science within the university's renowned College of Architecture, Design and Construction. He graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His educational background provided a direct foundation for his subsequent career in the construction industry.

Business career

After graduating from Auburn University, Rick Allen returned to Augusta and entered the construction field. In 1983, he founded R.W. Allen & Associates, a commercial construction company. Under his leadership as CEO, the firm grew into one of the largest construction companies in the Southeast, undertaking significant projects including schools, medical facilities, and government buildings. His business career spanned over three decades, during which he was also active in industry organizations like the Associated General Contractors of America. Allen sold his ownership stake in the company upon his election to the United States Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives

Rick Allen first ran for the U.S. House in 2014, challenging incumbent Democratic John Barrow in Georgia's 12th congressional district. He won the election as part of the Republican wave of 2014 and took office on January 3, 2015. In the 118th United States Congress, Allen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. He has also been a member of the Congressional Constitution Caucus and the Republican Study Committee. Throughout his tenure, he has been a reliable vote for the Republican legislative agenda.

Political positions

Allen is a conservative Republican whose voting record aligns with major party priorities. He is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association. On fiscal matters, he supports the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and advocates for reduced federal spending and a balanced budget amendment. He is pro-life, having supported legislation like the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Regarding energy, Allen supports the expansion of domestic production, including at the Savannah River Site, and has been critical of the EPA's regulatory reach. He has also been a vocal advocate for Fort Gordon and the United States Army Cyber Command headquartered there.

Electoral history

In his initial run for Congress in the 2014 election, Rick Allen defeated five-term Democratic incumbent John Barrow, receiving 55% of the vote. He was re-elected in the 2016 election with 62% of the vote against his Democratic opponent. He faced a closer race in the 2018 midterms but still won with 57% of the vote. In the 2020 election, he defeated Democratic nominee Liz Johnson with 60% of the vote. Most recently, in the 2022 election, Allen was re-elected with 62% of the vote against Democrat Elizabeth "Liz" Johnson.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Georgia Category:1951 births Category:Living people Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives