Austin Scott Woodall's Tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives
Austin Scott Woodall served as a prominent member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's interests in Washington, D.C. Entering office in January 2011 as part of the 112th United States Congress, Woodall established himself as a conservative voice, focusing on deregulation and fiscal policy throughout his multiple terms in office.
Key Facts
- First Elected: 2010 General Election.
- Leadership: Served as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee in 2014.
- Closest Race: The 2018 election, won by only 433 votes.
- Committee Roles: Member of the Rules, Budget, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees.
- Retirement: Announced in February 2019 that he would not seek a sixth term.
Election History and Political Ascent
Woodall's journey to Congress began in 2010. He first secured the Republican primary with approximately 56% of the vote, defeating Jody Hice. In the general election held on November 2, 2010, Woodall defeated Democratic candidate Doug Heckman to win his seat.
His early campaign was supported by several high-profile donors, including the Credit Union National Association, the Southern Company, the American Dental Association, and the Vision for Tomorrow Fund.
Following his initial victory, Woodall maintained a strong hold on his district for several cycles:
- 2012: Won with 62.16% of 252,066 votes against Steve Reilly (D).
- 2014: Won with 65.39% of 173,669 votes against Thomas D. Wight (D).
- 2016: Won with 60.38% of 288,301 votes against Rashid Malik (D).
The Competitive 2018 Election
The 2018 election cycle proved to be the most challenging of Woodall's career. Facing Democratic challenger Carolyn Bourdeaux, Woodall received support from the Great America Committee, a political action committee (PAC)—an organization that raises money to influence elections—registered by Vice President Mike Pence.
The contest became the closest of all 2018 House elections. After a recount, Woodall emerged victorious by a narrow margin of only 433 votes. This marked the closest a Democratic candidate had come to winning the district since its inception in 1993. The district's designation has evolved over time, serving as the 4th District (1993–1997), the 11th District (1997–2003), and the 7th District since 2003.
Congressional Tenure and Leadership
Beyond his electoral victories, Woodall held significant leadership roles. In July 2014, he was elected chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of conservative Republican lawmakers. He succeeded Steve Scalise in this role and was later succeeded by Bill Flores (TX-17) in November 2014.
Woodall was a vocal advocate for business interests. On October 26, 2011, he addressed the U.S. House specifically to call for a reduction in regulations imposed on businesses.
Committee Assignments
Throughout his time in the House, Woodall contributed to legislative efforts through his assignments on three key committees:
- House Rules Committee
- House Budget Committee
- House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
In February 2019, Woodall announced his decision to retire from Congress, opting not to seek a sixth term.
Election Performance Summary
| Election Year | Opponent | Vote Percentage | Total Votes Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Doug Heckman (D) | Won | Not Specified |
| 2012 | Steve Reilly (D) | 62.16% | 252,066 |
| 2014 | Thomas D. Wight (D) | 65.39% | 173,669 |
| 2016 | Rashid Malik (D) | 60.38% | 288,301 |
| 2018 | Carolyn Bourdeaux (D) | Won (by 433 votes) | Not Specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Woodall first enter the U.S. House of Representatives?
Woodall took office in January 2011 as part of the 112th United States Congress after winning the 2010 general election.
What leadership position did Woodall hold within the Republican party?
In July 2014, Woodall was elected as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group consisting of conservative Republican lawmakers.
Which committees did Woodall serve on during his tenure?
He served on the House Rules Committee, the House Budget Committee, and the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
How close was the 2018 election for Woodall?
The 2018 race was the closest of all House elections that year, with Woodall defeating Carolyn Bourdeaux by only 433 votes following a recount.
Why did Woodall leave Congress?
Woodall announced in February 2019 that he would not seek reelection to a sixth term in Congress.