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 | March 24, 1869 Scotland Neck, North Carolina, US |
| Died | May 31, 1923 (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.