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Garret Graves
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Garret Neal Graves (born January 31, 1972) is an American politician who served as the United States representative for Louisiana's 6th congressional district from 2015 to 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party. After redistricting dismantled his district, he declined to run for re-election in 2024.[1]
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Garret Graves was born on January 31, 1972, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to John and Cynthia (née Sliman) Graves.[2] He is of partial Lebanese descent.[3][4] Graves graduated from Baton Rouge's Catholic High School in 1990. He then attended the University of Alabama, Louisiana Tech, and American University.[5]
Career
[edit]Graves served as an aide for nine years to former U.S. Representative Billy Tauzin of Louisiana's 3rd congressional district. He was also a legislative aide to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which Tauzin chaired.[6] In 2005, he became an aide for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, working under Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter. He was the staff director for the United States Senate's Subcommittee on Climate Change and Impacts. He also worked for Democratic former U.S. senator John Breaux, a protégé of Edwin Edwards and Vitter's predecessor in the Senate.[7] He served as a chief legislative aide to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.[8]
In 2008, Governor Bobby Jindal appointed Graves to chair the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.[9] As chair, he negotiated on behalf of the state with BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill until resigning on February 17, 2014.[8]
U.S. House of Representatives
[edit]Elections
[edit]In March 2014, Graves announced his intention to run in the 2014 election to the United States House of Representatives for Louisiana's 6th congressional district; incumbent Republican Bill Cassidy successfully challenged incumbent Democratic U.S. senator Mary Landrieu.[10]
In the 2014 nonpartisan blanket primary, Edwin Edwards finished in first place with 30% of the vote; Graves was the runner-up with 27%. Graves and Edwards advanced to the December 6 runoff election.[7] In the runoff, Graves received 139,209 votes (62.4%) to Edwards's 83,781 (37.6%).[11]
In the nonpartisan blanket primary held in conjunction with the national elections on November 6, 2018, Graves handily won his third term in the U.S. House, having led a four-candidate field with 186,524 votes (69%). Democrat Justin Dewitt trailed with 55,078 votes (21%). Two other candidates, Democrat "Andie" Saizan and Independent David Lance Graham, received the remaining 3%.[12]
In November 2023, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Robinson v. Ardoin that Louisiana must redistrict its electoral maps due to gerrymandering, which has unfairly diluted the representation of the state's African American population. In Robinson v. Callais, which has been appealed to the US Supreme Court, civil rights groups have alleged that the Louisiana State Legislature's proposed maps were still gerrymandered with electoral districts redrawn to unseat Graves, who is a political rival of incumbent Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.[13]
Tenure
[edit]In April 2017, Graves became engaged in a public dispute with Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards about the disbursement of federal assistance for Louisiana's 2016 flooding victims. Graves, who had been mentioned as a potential challenger to Edwards in the 2019 gubernatorial election, said that he was "focused on flood recovery ... none of the governor's talk is helping flood victims."[14] Edwards attributed the delay in disbursement of the funds, which began on April 10, to the state's financial shortfall, which prevented the quick retaining of a disaster management firm. Edwards's executive counsel, Matthew Block, explained that the state had no money in 2016 to pay the contractor. Edwards projected a $440 million budget deficit for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2017.[15]
On January 6, 2021, Graves voted to object to the results of the 2020 election in Pennsylvania.
In January 2023 following the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives, Graves was a key ally of Kevin McCarthy in helping him be elected speaker of the House. McCarthy then gave him a leadership post: coordinating strategy among the five factions or "Five Families" within the Republican caucus.[16] However, once McCarthy was ousted, Graves lost a lot of power and influence, culminating in retirement when it became clear the new district would be demographically unfavorable and he could not run in adjacent districts.[17]
Graves was tapped to lead the Republican side in negotiations over the 2023 United States debt-ceiling crisis. Counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, and legislative affairs director Louisa Terrell were tapped to lead the Democratic side.[18]
As a "parting gift" to the 118th Congress, Graves united with also-retiring Abigail Spanberger to complete a discharge petition to force through a Social Security bill, a move that antagonized the Conference leadership.[19]
Committee assignments
[edit]Graves served on the following committees:[20]
Caucus memberships
[edit]Political positions
[edit]Graves voted to support Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[28][29]
Personal life
[edit]Graves resides in his native Baton Rouge.[30][31] His wife is Carissa Vanderleest.[32] He is Catholic.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Louisiana US Rep. Garret Graves won't seek reelection, citing a new congressional map". AP News. June 14, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ "John A. Graves". Louisiana State University Foundation. January 16, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2023.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Members of Congress: Religious Affiliations". Pew Research Center. January 16, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "LaHood Leads Bipartisan Effort to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon, Introduces Resolution in Support of the US-Lebanon Relationship". Congressman Darin LaHood. August 10, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "Bioguide Search". bioguide.congress.gov. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ "Questions remain about potential conflict". HoumaToday.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ a b "Edwin Edwards, Garret Graves headed for runoff in 6th Congressional District". NOLA.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ a b Schleifstein, Mark (February 5, 2014). "Jindal Coastal Adviser Garret Graves Resigns, Effective Feb. 17". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- ^ "Graves Leading Money Race, The Tony Perkins Endorsement and D.C. House Claims: This Week in the 6th". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. October 18, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- ^ "Former Jindal adviser running for Congress". theadvocate.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ "Runoff election returns, December 6, 2014". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
- ^ "Election Returns". Louisiana Secretary of State. November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
- ^ Millhiser, Ian (May 14, 2024). "The messy SCOTUS drama about Black voters in Louisiana, explained". Vox. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ Greg Hilburn (April 21, 2017). "Who will challenge Gov. Edwards in 2019?". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ Rebekah Allen (April 20, 2017). "U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, Gov. John Bel Edwards sniping about flood recovery, again". The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
- ^ Walsh, Deirdre; Sprunt, Barbara (May 24, 2023). "Low-key Louisiana lawmaker tapped to help lead GOP debt negotiations". NPR. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ Brufke, Juliegrace (June 4, 2024). "Graves' threats to run against colleagues roil GOP". Axios.
- ^ "Debt limit progress as Biden, McCarthy name top negotiators to avert national default". Associated Press. May 16, 2023.
- ^ Folley, Aris (September 26, 2024). "Effort to force vote on Social Security bill stirs unrest in House GOP". The Hill.
- ^ "Committees Assignments". U.S. Congressman Garret Graves. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ "Member List". Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
- ^ "Members". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
- ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
- ^ "Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute".
- ^ "Members of the Caucus on U.S. - Türkiye Relations & Turkish Americans". Turkish Coalition of America. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ "Congressional Taiwan Caucus". Congressman Brad Sherman. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Rare Disease Congressional Caucus". Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "New coastal director has strong local knowledge". HoumaToday.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ "Jindal coastal adviser Garret Graves resigns, effective Feb. 17". NOLA.com. February 5, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ Sixth district. Government Printing Office. April 15, 2016. p. 120. ISBN 9780160929960.
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External links
[edit]- Congressman Garret Graves Archived December 30, 2024, at the Wayback Machine official U.S. House website
- Campaign website
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
Garret Graves
View on GrokipediaPersonal Background
Early life and education
Garret Neal Graves was born on January 31, 1972, in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.[9][10] Graves attended Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, graduating in 1990.[11][10] From 1990 to 1996, he pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, Louisiana Tech University, and American University, though he did not complete a degree at any of these institutions.[11][10]Family and personal life
Garret Graves is married to Carissa Vanderleest Graves, and the couple has three children.[12][13] They were wed on January 31, 2004, and reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[14][15] Graves is a Roman Catholic, having attended Catholic High School in Baton Rouge.[9][16][12] His wife has a background in education, including service as an AmeriCorps volunteer in public schools, and later advanced to roles in philanthropic development, such as vice president of philanthropic advancement for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.[17][14] The family prioritizes shared activities, including hiking and biking in South Louisiana, reflecting Graves' self-described identity as an outdoorsman.[18][12][14]Pre-Congressional Career
Early professional experience
Graves began his professional career in Washington, D.C., in 1995 as an intern for Democratic U.S. Senator John Breaux of Louisiana.[6] He later advanced to staff positions, including work for Republican U.S. Representative Billy Tauzin of Louisiana.[11] These roles involved legislative affairs focused on energy, infrastructure, and Louisiana-specific interests, building his expertise in policy areas critical to the state's economy.[19] In the late 2000s, Graves served briefly as executive assistant to Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, from November 2007 to January 2008.[12] This position provided direct involvement in senatorial operations and policy development, particularly on coastal and environmental issues.[11] Prior to these Capitol Hill roles, Graves had accumulated experience in private sector work related to energy and infrastructure, though specific employers and durations remain less documented in public records.[20]Leadership in coastal protection and restoration
Garret Graves served as chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) from 2008 to 2014, appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to lead the state's efforts in addressing severe coastal land loss and hurricane vulnerability.[7] In this role, he also acted as executive assistant to the governor for coastal activities, overseeing the coordination of federal, state, and local resources for restoration projects amid Louisiana's annual loss of approximately 16 square miles of coastline prior to intensified interventions.[21] Graves focused on integrating scientific modeling with engineering solutions, restructuring fragmented coastal programs to eliminate redundancies and accelerate implementation, which resulted in over a 500% increase in project output during his tenure.[21][20] A cornerstone of Graves' leadership was the development and adoption of Louisiana's first Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast in 2012, a data-driven blueprint projecting $50 billion in investments over 50 years to restore wetlands, build levees, and enhance barrier islands.[19] This plan, informed by adaptive management principles and peer-reviewed hydrodynamic models, prioritized non-structural measures like marsh creation alongside structural protections, securing unanimous legislative approval and positioning Louisiana to access billions in federal funding, including from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement.[22] Under his direction, the CPRA advanced more miles of coastal restoration and constructed greater flood protection infrastructure than in any prior comparable period, with projects such as sediment diversions and ridge restoration gaining momentum to combat subsidence and sea-level rise effects.[20] Graves negotiated directly with federal agencies and spill trustees to advocate for Louisiana's share of restoration funds, emphasizing ecosystem-based approaches over purely navigational dredging, which had historically exacerbated erosion.[23] His efforts streamlined permitting processes and fostered public-private partnerships, enabling the initiation of over 100 projects by 2014, though critics noted ongoing challenges in long-term funding sustainability amid fluctuating oil revenues.[24] Graves resigned from the CPRA on February 17, 2014, to pursue a congressional bid, leaving a framework that environmental coalitions credited with advancing science-based coastal resilience despite political pressures.[22][24]Congressional Career
Elections
Graves first won election to Louisiana's 6th congressional district in 2014. In the November 4 nonpartisan primary, he placed second behind Democrat Edwin Edwards with approximately 27% of the vote, advancing to a December 6 runoff.[25][26] Graves defeated Edwards in the runoff, securing the seat for the 114th Congress.[27][28] In each subsequent election through 2022, Graves won outright in the nonpartisan primary by receiving more than 50% of the vote, avoiding runoffs. He defeated Democratic challengers and minor-party candidates in 2016, 2018, and 2022.[29][30] In 2020, Graves garnered 265,684 votes, or 71% of the total.[31]| Election Year | Primary Vote Share for Graves |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Majority (runoff avoided) |
| 2018 | Majority (runoff avoided) |
| 2020 | 71% |
| 2022 | Majority (runoff avoided) |