Rob Clifton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 131st district | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jodi Lott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 October |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Lauren Clifton |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Auburn University |
| Website | https://www.legis.ga.gov/members/house/5080?session=1033 |
Rob Clifton is an American politician and businessman who has been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for the 131st district since January 13, 2025.[1] This district comprises a portion of Columbia County, Georgia, and the City of Evans.[2] The district has a population of around 61,000 people.[2]
Clifton currently serves on the Economic Development and Tourism, Interstate Cooperation and Transportation committees.
Elections
2024
On November 5, 2024, Clifton defeated Democrat opponent Heather White in District 131 at the 2024 Georgia House of Representatives election.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rob Clifton | 21,351 | 65.1% | N/A | |
| Democratic | Heather White | 11,466 | 34.9% | +34.9 | |
| Total votes | 32,817 | 100.0% | |||
Clifton defeated fellow Republican Paul Abbott in the June 18, 2024 runoff election after no candidate secured a majority in the primary election.[3]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rob Clifton | 1,561 | 73.3% | +24.5 | |
| Republican | Paul Abbott | 569 | 26.7% | +7.9 | |
| Total votes | 2,130 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Rob Clifton | 1,887 | 48.8% | N/A | |
| Republican | Paul Abbott | 728 | 18.8% | N/A | |
| Republican | Russell Wilder | 674 | 17.4% | N/A | |
| Republican | Benjamin Cairns | 333 | 8.6% | N/A | |
| Republican | David Byrne | 247 | 6.4% | N/A | |
| Total votes | 3,869 | 100.0% | |||
Legislative positions and appointments
House Majority Whip James Burchett appointed Clifton to the 2025–26 Majority Whip Team.[4] This group of Republican legislators educates and coordinates legislators of their party to advance key initiatives within the House of Representatives.[5] He also sits on the House Study Committee on Affordability & Accessibility of Georgia’s Legitimation Process, which investigates methods to ensure Georgia's legitimation process is open to all.[6]
Political beliefs
Clifton maintains conservative political beliefs, and wants to "represent [the District] and the conservatives of Columbia County."[7] He stated he wants to "hold true to what [his] county is" and avoid liberalization as Columbia County urbanizes.[7]
Abortion
Clifton is "pro-life".[7] On an April 1, 2024 candidate survey conducted by Georgia Life Alliance, Clifton stated abortion should be illegal in all instances.[8] He supports the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) and Georgia's "Heartbeat Bill".[8]
Immigration
Clifton is a member of the Pro-Enforcement Immigration Caucus, a legislative caucus "dedicated to strengthening immigration enforcement and ensuring the rule of law is upheld throughout Georgia"[9][10] The Caucus supports increased cooperation and information-sharing with federal immigration agencies, like United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).[9]
Law enforcement
On February 6, 2025, Clifton sponsored HB 309, which would require county governments to receive majority public support in a ballot referendum before a county police force may be abolished.[11]
Personal life
Clifton is a father of two, and is the CEO of SD Clifton Construction.[7][12][13]
Clifton is a member of the Journey Community Church.[7]
References
- ^ "Rob Clifton (Georgia)". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "House District 131 Data Profile" (PDF). Atlanta Regional Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 7, 2024.
- ^ Hill, Stephanie (June 19, 2024). "Clifton wins District 131 runoff in Columbia County". The Augusta Press. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Georgia General Assembly Week 6 Roundup: tort reform, tax breaks and the circus". State Affairs. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "Rep. Rob Clifton Appointed to Majority Caucus Whip Team for the 2025–2026 Legislative Term – Georgia House of Representatives". February 24, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ AllOnGeorgia (May 16, 2025). "Speaker Jon Burns Announces Appointments to 2025 House Study Committees". AllOnGeorgia. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Wright, Liz (March 18, 2024). "Local builder explains his candidacy for District 131". The Augusta Press. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "Georgia Candidate Pro-Life Certification Application for Rob Clifton" (PDF). Georgia Life Alliance. April 1, 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "Chairman Jesse Petrea, Georgia Lawmakers, Launch Pro-Enforcement Immigration Caucus at State Capitol – Georgia House of Representatives". April 4, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "Local lawmakers, others launch 'pro-enforcement immigration caucus'". WSAV-TV. April 5, 2025. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
- ^ "Georgia HB309 | TrackBill". trackbill.com. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ Cline, Damon. "S.D. Clifton Construction celebrates 30 years in business". The Augusta Chronicle. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Rob Clifton – SD Clifton Construction, Inc".
