Rob Clifton

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Rob Clifton
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
from the 131st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 13, 2025
Preceded byJodi Lott
Personal details
Born23 October
Augusta, Georgia
Political partyRepublican
SpouseLauren Clifton
Children2
Alma materAuburn University
Websitehttps://www.legis.ga.gov/members/house/5080?session=1033

Rob Clifton is an American politician, businessman, and a member of the 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

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2024

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On November 5, 2024, Clifton defeated Democrat opponent Heather White in the general election.

General election for Georgia House of Representatives District 131, 2024
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]

Republican primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 131, 2024
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%
Republican primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 131, 2024
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ "Rob Clifton (Georgia)". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "House District 131 Data Profile" (PDF). Atlanta Regional Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 7, 2024.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ "Georgia General Assembly Week 6 Roundup: tort reform, tax breaks and the circus". State Affairs. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  5. ^ "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.
  6. ^ AllOnGeorgia (May 16, 2025). "Speaker Jon Burns Announces Appointments to 2025 House Study Committees". AllOnGeorgia. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ "Georgia HB309 | TrackBill". trackbill.com. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ "Rob Clifton – SD Clifton Construction, Inc".