Ted Yoho

Ted Yoho, official portrait, 113th Congress

Ted Yoho is an American politician and veterinarian who served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Yoho was first elected to Congress in 2012, defeating incumbent Representative Cliff Stearns in the Republican primary. He was re-elected in 2014, 2016, and 2018, serving four terms before retiring in 2021.

Early Life and Education

Ted Yoho was born on April 13, 1955, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He moved to Florida where he completed his higher education. Yoho earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Florida in 1977 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the same university in 1983. Before entering politics, Yoho worked as a veterinarian in North Central Florida for over 30 years.

Political Career

Yoho's political career began when he decided to run for Congress in the 2012 elections. Running as a political outsider and leveraging his background as a veterinarian and small business owner, Yoho campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism, limited government, and repealing the Affordable Care Act. His primary victory over a long-term incumbent surprised many political observers and marked the beginning of his career in federal politics.

During his tenure in Congress, Yoho was known for his conservative stance on various issues, including healthcare, immigration, and foreign policy. He was a member of the Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican members of the House of Representatives. Yoho was vocal in his opposition to the Affordable Care Act and supported efforts to repeal it. He also focused on agricultural issues, reflecting the interests of his largely rural district, and was a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Yoho made headlines in 2020 following a reported altercation with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the steps of the Capitol, which led to discussions about civility in politics. He announced in 2019 that he would not seek re-election in 2020, keeping a pledge to serve no more than four terms.

Personal Life

Ted Yoho is married to Carolyn Yoho, and they have three children together. Beyond his political and professional career, Yoho has been involved in various community and charitable activities in Florida.

Legacy

Yoho's legacy in Congress is marked by his commitment to conservative principles, his work on agricultural issues, and his advocacy for limited government. His career reflects the complexities of American politics in the 21st century, including the rise of outsider candidates and the challenges of political discourse.