Dave Brat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dave Brat
Official portrait, 2015
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th district
In office November 12, 2014 – January 3, 2019
Preceded by	Eric Cantor
Succeeded by	Abigail Spanberger
Personal details
Born	David Alan Brat (1964-07-27) July 27, 1964 (age 61) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Laura Sonderman ​ (m. 1996)​
Children	2
Education	Hope College (BA) Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv) American University (PhD)

David Alan Brat (born July 27, 1964) is an American professor and former politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia's 7th congressional district from 2014 to 2019. As a member of the Republican Party, he became famous for a surprise victory in 2014.

Brat defeated the U.S. House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, in the Republican primary election. A primary is an election where voters choose who will be their party's main candidate. Brat was the first person to ever defeat a sitting House Majority Leader in a primary. This was seen as a major upset in American politics.

After serving two terms in Congress, Brat lost his re-election in 2018 to Abigail Spanberger, a member of the Democratic Party. In 2019, he became the dean of the School of Business at Liberty University.

Early Life and Education

David Alan Brat was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 27, 1964. His father was a doctor, and his mother was a social worker. He grew up in Alma, Michigan, and later moved to Minnesota.

Brat was very focused on his education. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Hope College in 1986. He then received a master's degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1990. Finally, he earned a Ph.D. in economics from American University in 1995.

Career as a Professor

Before entering politics, Brat had a career in academics. He worked for the accounting firm Arthur Andersen and as a consultant for the World Bank. In 1996, he became an economics professor at Randolph–Macon College in Virginia. He taught there for many years and was the head of the economics and business department.

In 2019, after his time in Congress, Brat returned to the academic world. He was named the dean of the School of Business at Liberty University.

Entering Politics

Brat's interest in government led him to run for office. In 2014, he decided to challenge a very powerful politician, Eric Cantor, for his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Historic 2014 Election

Dave Brat speaking at an event in February 2016.

Brat's 2014 campaign against Eric Cantor was a classic underdog story. Cantor was the House Majority Leader, one of the most powerful Republicans in the country. He spent over $5 million on his campaign. Brat, on the other hand, raised only about $200,000.

Brat's campaign was supported by local conservative groups known as the Tea Party movement. These groups wanted smaller government and lower spending. Brat criticized Cantor for being too close to big business and for his views on government spending.

On June 10, 2014, Brat won the primary election with 55.5% of the vote. His victory shocked the nation. It was the first time a House Majority Leader had ever lost a primary election. The news showed a split in the Republican Party between its leaders and its more conservative members.

After winning the primary, Brat went on to win the main election in November 2014. He defeated the Democratic candidate, Jack Trammell, and became the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 7th district.

Later Elections

Brat was re-elected to Congress in 2016. He defeated Democrat Eileen Bedell.

In 2018, Brat ran for a third term. He faced Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and a Democrat. The race was very close. Spanberger won the election, ending Brat's time in Congress. A key reason for his loss was that he lost support in Henrico and Chesterfield counties, which were usually Republican areas.

Time in the U.S. House of Representatives

Brat with Donald Trump and supporters in 2015

Brat served in Congress from November 2014 to January 2019. He was known for his conservative views and was a member of the Freedom Caucus. This is a group of very conservative Republicans in the House.

During his time in office, Brat focused on several key issues. He promised to vote against raising the national debt and wanted to simplify the tax system. He was a strong opponent of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In 2017, he voted for a bill to repeal and replace it.

Brat also had strong opinions on immigration. He supported President Donald Trump's order to temporarily stop immigration from seven countries until better security checks could be put in place.

Committee Work

In Congress, members work on small groups called committees to focus on specific topics. Brat served on these committees:

• Committee on the Budget
• Committee on Education and the Workforce
• Committee on Small Business

Personal Life

Brat and his wife, Laura, moved to Virginia in 1996. They have two children. Brat was raised in a Presbyterian church, and his wife is Roman Catholic.

Electoral History