Key Takeaways
• Clay Higgins was the only lawmaker to vote against releasing the Epstein files.
• He has close ties to officers accused of sex trafficking and incest.
• He once faced allegations of holding a gun to his ex-wife’s head.
• Critics say these controversies could hurt his Senate ambitions.
When the House voted 427-1 to release the Epstein files, only Rep. Clay Higgins opposed. His lone “no” vote surprised many. The Senate then passed the bill unanimously, and it now awaits the president’s signature. Yet Higgins offered no clear reason for his decision. Instead, he remained silent while colleagues praised the move toward transparency. As a former police officer, he often talks tough on crime. Still, he did not explain why he blocked files that could aid investigations. Some observers link the vote to his own ambitions. He reportedly plans a Senate run in 2028. Perhaps he aimed to appeal to a hard-line base. Either way, standing alone on such a high-profile measure raised eyebrows and questions.
Controversial Ties of Clay Higgins
However, the vote is just one part of the story. An investigation found that Clay Higgins has kept company with former officers accused of serious wrongdoing. One friend, Leon Boudreaux, was convicted of incest in 2021. A jury in New Mexico found him guilty of abusing a teenager who lived with him. Yet Higgins and Boudreaux appear together in photos taken after the verdict. Higgins also joined a motorcycle club Boudreaux founded. Images from 2022 and 2023 show them riding and socializing at events. These snapshots have critics asking what Higgins knew and when.
Another former officer in his circle, Jerod Prunty, worked in Higgins’s district office in 2019. After a 17-month probe, police arrested Prunty for allegedly running a sex-trafficking ring involving Chinese women at massage parlors. Higgins’s spokesperson said they were “shocked” by those claims. Soon after, Prunty resigned. Yet critics argue that Higgins’s association with these men casts doubt on his judgment. They say he should explain why he stayed close after serious allegations emerged.
His Law Enforcement Background and Early Career
Before joining Congress, Clay Higgins built a reputation as a tough crime fighter. He posted videos warning offenders to “run” or face arrest. His hard-charging style won him national attention. Nevertheless, his policing days had controversy. In 1991, his first wife accused him of holding a gun to her head. No charges followed, but the incident resurfaced in late 2024, raising fresh doubts. His second wife later sued him for unpaid child support totaling about one hundred thousand dollars. To date, it is unclear if he settled this debt. Unusually, his congressional financial disclosure lists no assets, prompting questions about how he covers living expenses. Supporters point to his disaster relief work and public safety efforts. They maintain his no-nonsense image resonates with voters. But opponents say his past and his friends undermine that narrative.
Legal and Financial Questions Surrounding Clay Higgins
Even before these new revelations, Higgins faced scrutiny over his disclosures. Unlike most members, he reports no real estate, savings, or investments. Experts wonder how he pays for his home and lifestyle. He says he lives frugally and uses loans when needed. Still, skeptics suspect hidden assets. The lack of clarity only adds to his image problem. In addition, the revived gun allegation suggests a dangerous moment in his personal life. His ex-wife later died, leaving many questions unanswered. Critics argue this pattern shows a lack of accountability. Meanwhile, Higgins’s office highlights his law enforcement record and community work. Yet when former colleagues face trafficking or incest charges, his record seems less solid.
What This Means for His Senate Bid
Looking ahead, Clay Higgins aims for a Senate seat in 2028. Early planning is common among ambitious politicians. However, these controversies could derail his path. Voters may not forgive his lone “no” vote on a key transparency bill. They may wonder why he sided with secrecy over justice. Also, his friendships with jailed or accused officers conflict with his crime-fighting image. If he fails to address these issues head on, his credibility may crumble. So far, he has offered only brief statements, leaving many questions open. As his profile rises, he will need a stronger narrative to fend off critics and rivals.
Questions Around Accountability
At its core, this saga raises a simple question: who holds public officials accountable? In Higgins’s case, the lone vote, the troubling ties, and the personal allegations demand answers. First, he owes constituents a clear explanation for voting against the Epstein files release. Second, he must clarify his relationship with Leon Boudreaux and Jerod Prunty. Third, he should address the 1991 gun accusation. Lastly, he needs to detail his financial disclosures and any resolved debts. By facing these questions directly, he could rebuild some trust. Otherwise, he risks letting opponents write the next chapter in his story.
Looking Forward
Ultimately, Clay Higgins stands at a crossroads. He can choose transparency and honesty now. Or he can stay silent and hope the media moves on. As he eyes higher office, every decision counts. Clear explanations and consistent ethics could restore his standing. If not, his lone vote on the Epstein files may become a lasting symbol of deeper problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What reasons did Clay Higgins give for his lone vote?
He has not offered a detailed public statement explaining his decision. Speculation links it to his law enforcement roots or political goals.
Who are Leon Boudreaux and Jerod Prunty?
Leon Boudreaux is a former cop convicted of incest, and Jerod Prunty faced trafficking charges involving a Chinese sex ring. Both were close associates of Higgins.
Did Clay Higgins face any personal allegations?
Yes. His first wife accused him of holding a gun to her head in 1991, and a second wife sued for unpaid child support.
How might these issues affect his future?
They could damage his reputation and harm his chances if he runs for Senate in 2028. Voters often weigh integrity and transparency.