The family has included six members of the United States House of Representatives, two United States Senators, a cabinet member, two ambassadors, one United States Vice President, and one unsuccessful candidate for United States President.
Breckinridges have served as college presidents, prominent ministers, soldiers, and theologians and in important positions at state and local levels.
The family was most notable in Kentucky and most prominent during the 19th century, during nearly one third of which a member of the family served in the United States Congress.
Senator Clement Claiborne Clay Jr.,[41] first cousin twice removed of U.S. Representative Matthew Clay[42] and Kentucky State Senator Green Clay,[43] third cousin once removed of U.S.
Senator Clement Comer Clay,[44] and second cousin once removed of Alabama State Senator Matthew Clay,[45] U.S. Representative Brutus J. Clay,[46] and U.S. diplomat Cassius M.