The backbone of Taj Clayton is his wonderful wife and children.

Over the years, my family has been an incredible source of inspiration. I intend to foster change in America that will benefit future generations.

Taj's Story


Like most folks in the district, Taj Clayton knows about struggle and hard work. He grew up in a small, working class community. His parents labored in a glass factory to provide for their four children. At just 12 years old, Taj began working too. After his dad lost his job, Taj mowed lawns around town to help his parents make ends meet. As he got older, he picked up other jobs and worked his way through high school.

As a member of the first generation in his family to attend college, Taj worked his way through Harvard by cleaning dormitory bathrooms and sweeping staircases, among other odd jobs. Taj graduated with Honors after making the Dean’s List every semester and went on to receive his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Today, Taj is an attorney at the international law firm of Fish & Richardson. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Texas Super Lawyers magazine. Prior to joining Fish & Richardson, Taj was a Law Clerk to Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Prior to his legal career, Taj worked for the e-procurement consulting firm, ICG Commerce, and served as a Management Council Intern at the National Football League.

Taj has been happily married to his college sweetheart, Tonika, for 11 years and is the proud father of two daughters with a son on the way. In his spare time, Taj serves on the Board of the Dallas Children’s Theater and volunteers with the Dallas KIPP Charter School and the Circle of Support program. In 2008, Taj served on the Texas 2008 Obama Campaign Finance Committee and was a delegate to the Dallas County and Texas state Democratic conventions.

The story of Taj’s life has been progress. Steady, constant, never-ending progress. This is the story he envisions for our district and our nation. Please join him in helping to make that a reality through continued hard work in the United States Congress.