Ted Yoho, a Republican, served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. Before entering politics, he worked as a veterinarian and businessman. During his time in Congress, Yoho gained attention for his conservative stances and sometimes controversial remarks. He chose not to seek re-election in 2020, adhering to a term limit pledge he made. His career reflects a blend of public service, private sector experience, and a commitment to conservative principles.
Ted Yoho was born on April 13, 1955.
Ted Yoho married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, on February 14, 1975, at the age of 19.
Ted Yoho earned his bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Florida in 1983.
Cliff Stearns was first elected in 1988.
In 2007, the NICS Improvement Amendments Act was enacted, aiming to prevent the mentally-infirm from purchasing firearms. Ted Yoho later co-sponsored legislation to block an Obama-era amendment to this act.
In 2012, Ted Yoho secured an upset victory against incumbent Cliff Stearns in the Republican primary election for Florida's 3rd congressional district.
In 2012, Ted Yoho stated that he had an A rating from the NRA.
While running for Congress in 2012, Ted Yoho supported reductions to early voting.
Ted Yoho officially took office as a U.S. Representative on January 3, 2013.
In 2013, Ted Yoho caused controversy by stating that breaching the debt ceiling would stabilize world markets.
Ted Yoho began his service as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district in 2013.
In 2014, Ted Yoho faced a primary challenge from Jake Rush.
In 2014, the House passed Yoho's Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act, but the Senate did not vote on it.
Ted Yoho co-authored the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2014.
The House passed the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, co-sponsored by Yoho, on September 18, 2015.
Ted Yoho accepted campaign contributions from the NRA in 2015.
Ted Yoho challenged John Boehner for Speaker of the House in 2015.
On June 9, 2016, Ted Yoho voted against the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act.
Ted Yoho accepted campaign contributions from the NRA in 2016.
In March 2017, Ted Yoho voted in favor of the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, aiming to allow certain veterans to purchase firearms. He also co-sponsored H.J.Res.40, blocking an Obama-era amendment restricting firearm purchases by the mentally ill.
In 2017, Ted Yoho voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, believing it would simplify the tax code and benefit Americans, despite acknowledging its imperfections.
By 2018, Ted Yoho had received a total of $4,000 in contributions from NRA sources.
In March 2019, Ted Yoho urged the Trump administration to sanction Chinese officials for human rights abuses against Uyghurs. He co-authored a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and delivered a speech condemning China's actions in Xinjiang.
On December 10, 2019, Ted Yoho announced he would not seek re-election in 2020, honoring a term-limit pledge.
On February 26, 2020, Ted Yoho voted against making lynching a federal hate crime, citing concerns about federal overreach and states' rights.
In July 2020, Ted Yoho was involved in a confrontation with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, using offensive language towards her.
On July 25, 2020, Bread for the World removed Ted Yoho from its board due to his comments towards Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In December 2020, Ted Yoho joined other House Republicans in supporting the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit contesting the 2020 presidential election results.
Ted Yoho retired from Congress in 2020.
Ted Yoho's service as U.S. Representative ended in 2021.