Rep. Louie Gohmert officially filed for re-election to Texas’ First Congressional District with the Republican Party of Texas.

Gohmert was first sworn in Jan. 4, 2005. He represents the First District of Texas which encompasses more than 12 counties stretching nearly 120 miles down the state’s eastern border. He serves on a number of important House committees and subcommittees. Most recently, Gohmert was named Ranking Member of the Judiciary subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security due to his extensive knowledge stemming from years in the court room.

“As our federal government has tried to take over car manufacturing, healthcare, Wall Street, and Main Street, our battles to bring government back to its original purpose have been difficult. The responsibility to protect what we’ve been given is not something I take lightly and with the support of the people of Congressional District One I will stand and fight for our values and for the very foundation of our nation’s Constitution,” Gohmert said.

Prior to being elected to serve in Congress, Gohmert was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County. During his tenure on the bench, he gained national and international attention for some of his innovative rulings. He was later appointed to complete a term as Chief Justice of the 12th Court of Appeals.

Gohmert received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and later graduated from Baylor School of Law. He is also a veteran having served his country as captain in the U.S. Army.

He and his wife Kathy have three daughters. Their family attends Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, where Louie has served as a deacon and teaches Sunday school.