Dr. Robert McClure is the President and CEO of The James Madison Institute (JMI). JMI is a nonpartisan, public policy research organization based in Florida; founded in 1987, JMI is statewide with members in Florida, across the country and around the world. JMI’s ideas are rooted in the U.S. Constitution and the principles of economic freedom and opportunity for all Floridians. Labeled a “heavy hitter” by Florida Trend magazine, the Institute’s work has appeared in every media market in the state, as well as nationally including USA Today, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Newsmax, the Hill, the Washington Examiner, The Washington Times and more. Dr. McClure has been named by Influence magazine as one of the most influential people in Florida politics. He has also been named multiple times as one of the top 50 influencers in Florida by the Miami Herald, Bradenton Herald, and El Nuevo Herald. McClure was also recently, again named one of Florida’s most influential business leaders by the state’s leading business magazine, Florida Trend.
Dr. McClure was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Elections Commission and has served on the State of Florida Education Strategic Planning Council. He has been published at both the state and national level on numerous topics including private property rights, tax policy, healthcare and education reform, lectured nationally on multiple policy issues, and quoted on the floor of the U.S. Senate. He has also testified before numerous state and national governmental bodies, and appears regularly on radio and television, making dozens of public appearances annually. He was appointed to the Florida Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and was a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of School Choice. He also served in an advisory capacity on the transition teams of both Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi and served on the Economic Advisory Council for Governor Scott. He received the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award, from Governor Scott, for his dedication to the promotion of free enterprise in Florida.
A 7th generation Floridian, Bob’s grandfather, J. Robert McClure Sr., was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the state of Florida in 1949 and served in that capacity until his death in 1964. His great uncle, Turner Davis, served as President of the Florida Senate in 1955. His great-grandfather, Charles E. Davis, served as the Senate President in 1915. They remain the only father and son to both serve as Senate President. Charles E. Davis also served on the Florida Supreme Court during the Depression.
Bob, a graduate of Furman University, completed his masters at Florida State University, where he has also served as an adjunct professor and his Ph.D. in policy at the University of Florida. He is a member of UF’s Blue Key Honor Society. Bob is married to his wife of 28 years, Julie, and together they have two daughters – ages 25 and 22.
