Tony Perkins

Speaker, Author, and President of Family Research Council

Tony Perkins is Family Research Council’s (FRC) fourth and longest-serving president, having joined the organization in August 2003. Described as a legislative pioneer by the national media, Tony has established himself as an innovative pro-life and pro-family policy and political leader since his first election to office in 1996.

Recognized as the leading conservative and pro-life voice in the Louisiana Legislature, Tony was a tireless advocate for the family. Addressing the growing social problems resulting from unstable marriages and no-fault divorce, he authored and passed the nation’s first Covenant Marriage law in 1997, which captured the attention of policymakers across the country.

Keeping his commitment to serve only two terms, Tony had a significant impact on Louisiana politics as a state representative and as a candidate for the United States Senate in 2002. His firm yet empathetic stance on issues and his unwavering commitment to principle has won him the admiration of his allies and the respect of his adversaries.

While in the Legislature, he authored numerous other policy initiatives, including

State Family Impact Statement, requiring state agencies to consider the impact of rules and regulations on families
Comprehensive Abortion Clinic regulations
Genetic Nondiscrimination Act
Public School Internet Filtering requirement
Expansion of Louisiana Department of Corrections partnership with faith-based organizations to reduce recidivism rates.

During his tenure as FRC’s president, Tony has substantially deepened the organization’s influence on Capitol Hill and throughout the country through his frequent attendance at state and regional political and policy events. Tony has also expanded the organization’s reach across the nation by building a major network of pastors and churches, encouraging them to impact the culture by thinking nationally but acting locally.

In May 2018, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appointed Tony to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and in May 2020, Leader McConnell reappointed him to a second term. During his time on the independent, bipartisan commission, he has served as both Chair and Vice Chair.

An ordained minister, Tony remains active in Christian ministries and frequently fills pulpits across the country. He is a board member of Caring to Love Ministries, one of Louisiana’s largest pregnancy resource centers. Tony is the immediate past president of the Council for National Policy.

He also hosts a daily, nationally syndicated radio show, Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, and frequently appears as a guest on national news programs and talk shows. In addition, he has been a guest speaker for respected organizations across the country. He is the author of No Fear: Real Stories of a Courageous New Generation Standing for Truth.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a former police officer, Tony brings a unique perspective to the public policy process. In addition to domestic law enforcement, he oversaw the training of hundreds of international police officers as the general manager for a Washington DC firm contracted by the US Department of State to provide training and services in anti-terrorism.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Liberty University.

He and his wife Lawana have been married since 1986 and have five children.