James Comer is a Republican Representative for Kentucky, having been elected to the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress via a special election on November 8, 2016, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Ed Whitfield. He has been reelected in subsequent elections and currently serves as the chair of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.
Born on August 19, 1972, in Carthage, Tennessee, Comer grew up in Kentucky. After receiving his B.S. from Western Kentucky University in 1993, he began a career that encompassed business and farming. His political career commenced in the early 2000s, during which he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. He went on to hold the position of Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture from 2012 to 2015.
Comer has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives, particularly around the themes of economic policy and regulatory reform. Some notable legislation he has sponsored or co-sponsored includes:
Stopping Home Office Work's Unproductive Problems Act of 2025 (SHOW UP Act) - HB473 which aims to restore pre-pandemic telework policies at federal agencies, advocating for in-person work as a means to enhance productivity and accountability.
Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 (REINS Act) - HB277 which requires congressional approval for major regulatory changes, reflecting a commitment to limit executive overreach in regulatory affairs.
Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2023 - HB300 mandates transparency in federal settlement agreements to promote accountability.
Guidance Clarity Act - HB2409 aimed at improving the transparency of agency guidance materials.
Comer is aligned with conservative fiscal policies and has shown a focus on improving government transparency and accountability. He has often emphasized the need for oversight of federal operations, particularly in light of significant spending initiatives related to pandemic response. His legislative efforts have also included environmental initiatives, reflecting a balance between agriculture interests and sustainability efforts, as can be seen in his support for bills like the White Oak Resilience Act.
Comer's political leanings can be characterized by a pro-business stance, a strong emphasis on reducing federal oversight and regulatory burdens, and advocacy for traditional work environments over remote work policies. His legislative pursuits often resonate with the interests of his constituents in rural Kentucky, emphasizing agricultural and economic growth while also maintaining fiscal restraint.
In his personal life, Comer is known for his dedication to his home state and has engaged in various community activities. His experiences as a businessman and farmer provide him with a unique perspective on legislative issues, particularly those affecting rural America.