Claude Kitchin

Claude Kitchin
House Minority Leader
In office 1921–1923
Preceded by	Champ Clark
Succeeded by	Finis Garrett
Leader of the House Democratic Caucus
In office March 4, 1921 – March 4, 1923
Preceded by	Champ Clark
Succeeded by	Finis J. Garrett
House Majority Leader
In office 1915–1919
Preceded by	Oscar W. Underwood
Succeeded by	Frank W. Mondell
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 2nd district
In office March 4, 1901 – May 31, 1923
Preceded by	George H. White
Succeeded by	John H. Kerr
Personal details
Born	(1869-03-24)March 24, 1869 Scotland Neck, North Carolina, US
Died	May 31, 1923(1923-05-31) (aged 54) Wilson, North Carolina, US
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Wake Forest College

Claude Kitchin (March 24, 1869 – May 31, 1923) was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from the state of North Carolina from 1901 until his death in 1923. A lifelong member of the Democratic Party, he was elected House majority leader for the 64th and 65th congresses (1915–1919), and minority leader during the 67th Congress (1921–1923).

As World War I shifted the federal government's focus to foreign policy, Kitchin became increasingly alarmed by the prospect of U.S. becoming a combatant. In April 1917, when President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, Kitchin delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor and then voted no.