Thomas Bryant Cotton

Republican junior Senator of Arkansas

Representative
Arkansas, district 4
January 3, 2013 - January 3, 2015
Senator
Arkansas
January 6, 2015 - January 3, 2021
Senator
Arkansas
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2027

202-224-2353

@SenTomCotton

cotton.senate.gov

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Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

January 1, 1977 (47 years old)

Birthday

Served as the junior United States senator from Arkansas since 2015
Previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015
Elected as the U.S. representative for Arkansas’s 4th congressional district in 2012
Defeated a two-term Democratic incumbent to become a senator at age 37 in 2014
Born and raised in Dardanelle, Arkansas, with a family history in the region spanning seven generations
Attended Harvard College, majoring in government, and was a member of The Harvard Crimson’s editorial board
Graduated from Harvard Law School and worked as a law clerk and in private practice before enlisting in the U.S. Army
Completed Officer Candidate School, U.S. Army Ranger Course, and Airborne School; served in Iraq and Afghanistan
Received military honors including a Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantryman Badge
Worked for McKinsey & Company and entered the Army Reserve after active duty
Gained attention for a letter to The New York Times and for controversy over his claims of being an Army Ranger
Became known for opposing Obama administration policies, particularly regarding foreign affairs and federal spending
Played a significant role in debates over Iran’s nuclear program, criminal justice reform, and immigration policy
Advocated for strong military action against Iran and supported immediate Senate votes on Supreme Court nominees
Opposed the Affordable Care Act and has conservative views on issues like gun laws, immigration, and criminal justice reform
Criticized for comments on race relations and for opposing the teaching of The 1619 Project in schools
Voted against the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and has been a vocal supporter of Israel and a critic of China’s government policies