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| Dave Brat | |
|---|---|
| Name | David Alan Brat |
| Birth date | 13 July 1964 |
| Birth place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Economist, Professor, Politician |
| Party | Republican Party |
| Spouse | Belinda Brat |
| Alma mater | Michigan State University; Claremont Graduate University; American University |
| Office | U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district |
| Term start | January 3, 2014 |
| Term end | January 3, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Eric Cantor |
| Successor | Abigail Spanberger |
Dave Brat David Alan Brat is an American economist, academic, and politician who served two terms as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district. He gained national attention for his 2014 primary victory, unseating House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and later lost reelection in 2018 to Abigail Spanberger. Brat's career spans roles in higher education, private-sector consulting, and conservative policy advocacy linked to figures such as Grover Norquist and organizations like the Tea Party movement.
Brat was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in a family with roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kent County, Michigan. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School before earning a bachelor's degree from Hope College and a master's degree from Claremont Graduate University. He completed a Ph.D. in economics at American University under advisors connected to schools of thought associated with Austrian School scholars and influenced by economists such as Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, and James Buchanan. During his studies he interacted with faculty from institutions including George Mason University, University of Chicago, and Harvard University through conferences and seminars.
Brat served on the economics faculty at Hampden–Sydney College and later at Randolph–Macon College, teaching courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and public finance. He published work and presented research at venues including the American Economic Association meetings and wrote on topics tied to fiscal policy debates involving actors like Congressional Budget Office, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Outside academia he worked as a consultant and analyst for firms interacting with entities such as Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and regional development authorities; he also engaged with think tanks including the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, and Cato Institute. Brat’s academic profile linked him to networks involving scholars from George Mason University's Mercatus Center, Hoover Institution, and Independent Institute.
Brat entered electoral politics as a challenger in the 2014 Republican primary against incumbent Eric Cantor, aligning with conservative activists associated with the Tea Party movement, Club for Growth, and grassroots groups in the Eastern District of Virginia. After his upset victory, he took office in the 114th United States Congress and served through the 115th United States Congress. In Washington he caucused with the Republican Study Committee, voted with leaders such as Paul Ryan and allied with lawmakers including Steve King, Mick Mulvaney, and Jim Jordan on certain votes while distancing from others like John Boehner on spending priorities. Brat served on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Small Business where he participated in hearings featuring witnesses from institutions such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Reserve System, and Small Business Administration.
Brat advocated for fiscal conservatism, opposing measures he viewed as increasing deficits and criticizing programs tied to Affordable Care Act, Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and certain bailouts associated with Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). He supported tax policy reforms in the spirit of proposals from Heritage Foundation and lawmakers like Paul Ryan and voted for portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 while urging spending restraints advocated by Grover Norquist and Cato Institute analysts. On trade he expressed skepticism about multilateral agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership while endorsing elements of protectionist rhetoric used by Donald Trump. Brat took conservative positions on national security, immigration, and judicial confirmations, supporting confirmations by nominees from administrations of George W. Bush, Donald Trump, and opposing legislation he saw as expanding federal authority referenced in debates with members like Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio. His legislative initiatives included proposals to reform regulatory processes, measures tied to small business tax relief, and amendments concerning oversight of agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Brat’s 2014 primary victory over Eric Cantor was one of the most notable upsets in modern House history and drew comparisons to insurgent campaigns such as Jefferson County, Alabama elections and Tea Party successes in 2010. In the 2014 general election he defeated Democratic nominee Jack Trammell and libertarian or independent challengers. Brat retained his seat in the 2016 general election against Ralph Northam-aligned opponents and activists mobilized by statewide actors such as Terry McAuliffe and organizations like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In 2018 he was defeated by Abigail Spanberger amid a broader Democratic wave, with national figures such as Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and Tom Perez active in the cycle.
Brat attracted controversy for public remarks invoking theological and historical references during policy debates, drawing criticism from figures including Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and clergy such as leaders from Southern Baptist Convention. He faced scrutiny over comments on topics linked to immigration and race, which prompted responses from civil rights organizations like the NAACP and American Civil Liberties Union. Legislative confrontations with figures such as Eric Cantor prior to 2014 and post-election disputes with colleagues including Dave Brat—noting that internal House conflicts involved members like Kevin McCarthy and Paul Ryan—fueled media coverage in outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Fox News.
Brat is married to Belinda Brat and resides in Glen Allen, Virginia. He is affiliated with religious communities connected to denominations such as the Reformed Church in America and participates in civic organizations including local chambers of commerce and rotary clubs often interacting with entities like Chamber of Commerce of the United States and regional economic development groups. His network includes relationships with conservative activists and scholars associated with Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Club for Growth, and municipal leaders from localities including Henrico County, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia.
Category:1964 births Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia Category:People from Detroit Category:Virginia Republicans