Dewey McClain

Dewey Loren McClain is a Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives representing District 109, serving the Gwinnett County area. Born on April 25, 1954, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, McClain has built a career spanning professional sports, labor leadership, and public service.

McClain is a former professional football player who played for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League from 1976 through 1980. He also played in the United States Football League for the Oakland Invaders in 1983 and the Oklahoma Outlaws in 1984. He was inducted into the ECU College Hall of Fame, Freedom Bowl Hall of Fame, and Atlanta Tribune Magazine Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from professional football, McClain worked for the City of Atlanta for 22 years, spending 18 years with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and four years with the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency. He became a prominent labor leader, serving as president of the Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council AFL-CIO and as a founding member and president of the National Football League Players Association Metro Atlanta Chapter.

McClain has received numerous awards and honors, including the MLK Jr. March Committee Rev. James Orange Award, the Gwinnett County Rape Crisis Crystal Angel Award, and the 2011 Jessie Jackson Sportsman of the Year Award. He has been recognized as an NFLPA Chapter of the Year recipient three times and serves on the Board of the NFLPA Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust Fund. McClain has been involved with numerous civic organizations, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, the SCLC, and various United Way chapters.

Education

McClain attended Okmulgee High School in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and then enrolled at East Central State University, where he played college football for the East Central Tigers. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in history, with minor concentrations in psychology, sociology, government, and physical education.

Political Experience

McClain was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in a special election held on November 5, 2013, running uncontested for the seat. He was sworn into office on December 5, 2013. As a state representative, he has served on committees including Game, Fish & Parks; Industry and Labor; Motor Vehicles; and State Planning & Community Affairs. His legislative priorities include improving education, infrastructure development, securing sustainable living wage jobs, meaningful immigration legislation, and reducing foreclosures to help homeowners remain in their homes.