Meet Doug Collins, Maga firebrand and Donald Trump loyalist: how the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs’ family life, anti-abortion stance and daughter Jordan’s story helped shape his political career
From pastor to lawyer, US serviceman to politician, Collins has worn many hats, and first landed in the spotlight for his anti-abortion views: here’s what else you need to know
Here’s what you need to know about Collins, his family and their powerful political trajectory.
A life of public service
His profile on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website states that Collins’ view of public service was shaped by his parents. His father was a Georgia state trooper and his mother was a carer for senior citizens. He first studied political science and criminal justice at the University of North Georgia before earning a master’s degree in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Per his official profile, he was pastor at the Chicopee Baptist Church for 11 years and in 2006 was elected as the House representative for Georgia’s 27th district, the beginning of his political career. In his first term, he studied law at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and opened his own legal practice, further cementing his place as a community leader. Collins is also a US Air Force Reserve chaplain and in 2008-2009, was deployed to Iraq and stationed at Balad Air Base.
His wife is a lifelong educator
Although his life has been centred on public service, Collins describes his family as his priority, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. His wife Lisa has spent much of her life teaching in Georgia’s public schools. Per the ASCAP Expo, Lisa also operated a small scrapbook supply store.