Raúl Labrador

Early life and education

Born on December 8, 1967, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Labrador relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, as a child and graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1985. He was raised by a single mother who struggled financially.

He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and spent two years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago Chile from 1987 to 1989. Labrador returned to BYU and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish in 1992 with an emphasis in Latin American literature. He was admitted to the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle and received his Juris Doctor in 1995.

Early career

Married in 1991, Labrador relocated to his wife's home state of Idaho and practiced law and immigration law in private practice from 1995 until his election to the state legislature in 2006.

Idaho House of Representatives

2006

Labrador ran for and won the Republican nomination for Idaho House Seat B against two other challengers. He won the general election with 65.55% against Daniel S. Weston.

2008

He was unopposed in the May 2008 Republican primary. Labrador defeated Glida Bothwell in the general election, winning 69.1% of the vote.

Committee assignments

Labrador served on the Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee in 2007, Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee from 2007 to 2010, the State Affairs Committee from 2007 to 2010, and the Transportation and Defense Committee from 2009 to 2010.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

In 2010, Labrador defeated Vaughn Ward in the Republican primary 48%–39% on May 10, in what was widely considered a major upset. Labrador credited his victory in the Republican primary to support from activists affiliated with the Tea Party movement. In the general election, Labrador defeated first-term Democratic incumbent Walt Minnick 51% to 41%.

2012

Labrador supported Mitt Romney for president.

2014

On August 14, 2013, Labrador decided not to challenge incumbent Idaho Governor Butch Otter in the Republican primary, instead running for reelection to Congress for a third term.

On August 19, 2013, Democratic State Representative Shirley Ringo decided to challenge Labrador instead of running for an eighth term in the Idaho state legislature. Shirley Ringo challenges Labrador for congressional seat, m.lmtribune.com; accessed November 15, 2014.

Labrador announced on June 13 that he would challenge Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy for the leadership position. Labrador sought to challenge McCarthy from the right. In a vote held June 19, 2014, the House selected McCarthy. In January 2015, he was one of nine Republicans who launched the House Freedom Caucus.

Labrador won both the Republican primary (78.6%) and the general election (65%).

2016

A supporter of Donald Trump in the 2016 election, Labrador won the Republican primary (81%) in May, and the general election (68.2%) in November. Labrador had initially supported Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign.

Tenure

;Town halls Labrador was one of the few Republicans to host a town hall after the election of Donald Trump and the only member of the state's congressional delegation to host one.

Committee assignments

• Committee on Natural Resources
  • Federal Lands
  • Oversight and Investigations- Chair
• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security- Vice Chair
  • Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations

Caucus memberships

• Liberty Caucus
• Freedom Caucus
• Congressional Western Caucus

Political positions

Domestic issues

Health care

On April 20, 2017, Labrador said he does not believe healthcare is a human right. Labrador supports the full repeal of the Affordable Care Act because he believes it will raise costs and eliminate jobs.

Labrador supports requiring those illegally residing in the United States to be responsible for their own healthcare costs.

He voted for the American Health Care Act of 2017, which passed the House May 4, 2017. One of the few Republican lawmakers who hosted a town hall after this vote, Labrador received national attention for stating during the meeting at Lewis-Clark State College that "Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare." The statement caused a huge outcry from the audience present and on social media for several days.

Economic issues

Elections

Labrador has stated that he supports the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which provides for the direct election of members of the U.S. Senate by the voters in each state. Before the amendment was ratified in 1913, Senators were selected by the legislatures of their respective states. With regard to this position, Labrador has stated "I have a consistent philosophy about government and the importance of states' rights."

Tax reform

Labrador is in favor of tax reform, specifically reform that rids of loopholes, lowers "overall rates," and reduces government spending so the national debt does not increase.

Labrador voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He says the bill will "allow hard-working Idahoans to keep more of their money," including helping them "meet their expenses and make crucial investments."

International issues

Energy & oil

Labrador is seen by many in eastern Idaho, which is not in his congressional district, as an opponent of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

Immigration

On the July 6, 2014, episode of Meet the Press, Labrador stated that the Obama administration needed to "immediately deport" young illegal immigrants. The comment came as part of a discussion about the estimated 52,000 unaccompanied minors from Central America who had tried to cross the border since October 2013.

Labrador was a member of the "Gang of Eight," a bipartisan group of House members working on immigration reform legislation, but on June 5, 2013, he left the negotiations because he wanted language in the bill requiring that illegal immigrants be responsible for their own health care costs. Labrador said he would use his position on the House Judiciary Committee to pass immigration reform legislation.

Social issues

Abortion

Labrador opposes late termination of pregnancy and believes "life begins at conception" and that "The unborn child is still a child – made in the image of God, who will one day have the same hopes and dreams as the rest of us. The fact that life begins at conception might be an uncomfortable truth for some. But it's a truth, all the same."

Labrador voted in favor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in 2017.

Family Rights

Idaho is one of the states that has faith-healing exemption. In a debate, Labrador said he would not change it.

LGBT issues

In June 2015, Labrador introduced HR 2802, titled the "First Amendment Defense Act" (FADA) which was said to protect those who oppose same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs from action by the federal government. Critics, such as Ian Thompson of the American Civil Liberties Union claimed that the bill would "open the door to unprecedented taxpayer-funded discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, and unmarried couples."

Elections

2018 gubernatorial campaign

Main article: 2018 Idaho gubernatorial election

On May 9, 2017, Labrador filed to run in the 2018 Idaho gubernatorial race, and embarked on a kick-off tour several weeks later with stops in Boise, Post Falls, and Idaho Falls. He was not able to run for his current congressional seat and governor at the same time; leaving CD-1 an open seat in 2018.

In November 2017, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas endorsed Labrador.

Labrador placed second in the Republican gubernatorial primary to Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, winning 32.6% of the vote.

Chair of the Idaho Republican Party (2019–2020)

In June 2019, Labrador announced that he would run for chairman of the Idaho Republican Party at its next State Central Committee meeting, having already received the backing and support of most IDGOP officers.

On June 29, 2019, Labrador won Idaho Republican Party Chair by two votes, defeating former Superintendent of Education Tom Luna. A year later in June 2020, Labrador resigned from his position as party chair and joined a local law firm; he was succeeded by Luna. He had Frank Terraferma and Tyler Kelly as Executive Director.

Idaho Attorney General

2022 election

Main article: 2022 Idaho Attorney General election

Labrador filed as a candidate in the 2022 Idaho attorney general election on November 17, 2021. He challenged 20-year incumbent Lawrence Wasden for the Republican nomination; in the primary on May 17, Labrador won with 51.6% of the vote.

In the general election on November 8, he received 62.6% of the vote to easily defeat Democrat Tom Arkoosh.

Tenure

Labrador was sworn in as Idaho's attorney general on January 2, 2023. Four days later, he filed a motion to dismiss charges against Sara Walton Brady, a Meridian woman who was arrested in 2020 for trespassing during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Personal life

Labrador lives in Eagle with his wife Rebecca and their five children; he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

References

References

1. "Labrador to run for Idaho governor". POLITICO.
2. Newton-Small, Jay. (2014-06-16). "Raul Labrador Aims to Upset Race for House Majority Leader".
3. LoGiurato, Brett. "TEA PARTY FAVORITE: Here's Why I Should Be The Next Majority Leader".
4. Watkins, Eli. "Freedom caucus member launches bid for governor". CNN.
5. "Raúl Labrador for Governor".
6. (November 2012). "Raul Labrador". Wall Street Journal.
7. "Bioguide Search".
8. PARKER, ASHLEY and JULIA PRESTON. (June 6, 2013). "In House, Immigration Spurs Push by G.O.P". NYT.
9. "2006 General Results legislative".
10. "2006 Primary Results legislative".
11. "2008 Primary Results legislative".
12. "2008 General Results legislative".
13. "Raul Labrador".
14. [http://ktvb.zidaho.com/elections/house1.php U.S. House Dist. 1 GOP] KTVB.com Accessed June 1, 2010
15. Kraushaar, Josh. (2010-05-26). "Rep. Raul Labrador wins Idaho primary upset". [[Politico]].
16. Kraushaar, Josh. (2010-05-26). "Labrador: tea party 'helped tremendously'".
17. "Idaho's Labrador, late to endorse in 2012 presidential race, jumps in early to support Rand Paul". idahostatesman.
18. "Mitt Romney: Press Release: Rep. Raul Labrador: We Need Mitt Romney In Washington".
19. Helfrich, Jesse. (2012-04-18). "GOP leaders endorse Mitt Romney, seek party unity behind probable nominee". TheHill.
20. [https://www.politico.com/story/2013/08/raul-labrador-idaho-95547.html Labrador decides not to challenge Otter for governorship of Idaho], politico.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
21. (August 14, 2013). "Rep. Raul Labrador To Seek Re-Election, Ends Speculation About Run For Governor". Fox News.
22. Cornwell, Jane. (June 13, 2014). "Republican Rep. Labrador running for House majority leader post". [[Reuters]].
23. "Statewide Totals".
24. "Statewide Totals".
25. "Another congressman – Labrador – backs Trump's policies, not his rhetoric {{!}} McClatchy Washington Bureau".
26. "Statewide Totals".
27. "Statewide Totals".
28. (2015-04-21). "The Hill's 2016 presidential endorsement list". The Hill.
29. Guilhem, Matt. "Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador Holding Two Town Halls".
30. "Conservatives Form Their Own Caucus Because the RSC Isn't 'Hard-Core' Enough". National Journal.
31. French, Lauren. (2015-01-26). "9 Republicans launch House Freedom Caucus". POLITICO.
32. "Members". Congressional Western Caucus.
33. Kruesi, Kimberlee. (April 20, 2017). "Idaho GOP Congressman Faces Angry Crowd at Town Hall".
34. Savransky, Rebecca. (April 20, 2017). "GOP rep booed at town hall for saying healthcare isn't a 'basic human right'". [[The Hill (newspaper).
35. Barnhill, Frankie. (April 20, 2017). "Labrador Pushed On Health Care, Russia And Trump's Taxes During Town Hall". [[KBSX]].
36. "Raul Labrador: GOP health care bill 'has no natural constituency'". The Washington Times.
37. "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 256".
38. Jenkins, A. (May 6, 2017) "GOP Congressman Raul Labrador: 'Nobody Dies Because They Don't Have Access to Health Care'". Time. Accessed at: https://time.com/4769830/raul-labrador-gop-congressman-nobody-dies-health-care/
39. "Following town hall backlash, Labrador says health care comment 'wasn't very elegant'". idahostatesman.
40. Spokesman Review Staff. (Oct. 14th, 2010). "Labrador: Repeal 17th Amendment". Spokesman Review. Accessed at: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2010/oct/14/labrador-repeal-17th-amendment/
41. (19 December 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill".
42. (19 December 2017). "Labrador, Simpson laud GOP tax bill as it passes House".
43. Taggart, S. (June 25, 2017). "Shake-up in the race for governor". Idaho State Journal. Accessed at: http://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/shake-up-in-the-race-for-governor/article_70263a1d-483c-5ce2-bc84-0291b380308e.html
44. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/07/07/americans-dont-want-mass-deportations-but-that-are-sort-of-ok-with-increased-deportations "Americans don't want mass deportations but are sort of OK with increased deportations"], washingtonpost.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
45. (April 5, 2013). "Puerto Rico-Born Labrador Top Republican on Immigration". Bloomberg.com.
46. (5 June 2013). "Conservative Labrador quits House immigration group". The Hill.
47. (5 October 2017). "Little speaks out on health care, Labrador on abortion; Ahlquist brings tour to North Idaho".
48. (24 April 2018). "Spokesman-Review".
49. Percelay, Rachel. (July 28, 2015). "The "First Amendment Defense Act" Is The Next Attack on LGBT Rights". Media Matters.
50. [[Ben Ysursa. "May 23, 2006 Primary Election Results: Legislative Totals". [[Secretary of State of Idaho]].
51. Ysursa, Ben. "November 7, 2006 General Election Results: Legislative Totals". Secretary of State of Idaho.
52. Ysursa, Ben. "May 27, 2008 Primary Election Results: Legislative Totals". Secretary of State of Idaho.
53. Ysursa, Ben. "November 4, 2008 General Election Results: Legislative Totals". Secretary of State of Idaho.
54. "Rep. Raul Labrador joins Idaho governor's race". AP News.
55. KIMBERLEE KRUESI. "Labrador officially kicks off Idaho gubernatorial campaign". Idaho Press-Tribune.
56. (2017-06-01). "'Unleash the raw potential'".
57. Davis, Taja. (2017-06-01). "Raul Labrador's stop in eastern Idaho to campaign for governor". KIFI.
58. "Labrador hasn't won VanderSloot's endorsement". Spokesman.com.
59. Russell B.Z. (Nov. 1, 2017). "Labrador announces Ted Cruz is endorsing him for governor of Idaho in '18", Spokane: Spokesman-Review. Labrador endorsed Cruz for the Republican nomination for President after Sen. Rand Paul dropped out of the race; he had originally supported Paul. Accessed at: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2017/nov/01/labrador-announces-ted-cruz-endorsing-him-governor-idaho-18/
60. Almukhtar, Sarah. (2018-05-15). "Idaho Primary Election Results". The New York Times.
61. "It's official. Raul Labrador hopes to serve as Idaho GOP chairman, support Trump's re-election". Idaho Statesman.
62. Dawson, James. (29 June 2019). "Raul Labrador Is Idaho's Next Republican Party Chairman".
63. Richert, Kevin. (2020-06-29). "Luna elected state GOP chairman".
64. "". link
65. Moseley-Morris, Kelcie. (2022-05-18). "'The campaign against the Democrats starts today': Idaho Republicans pledge unity at rally • Idaho Capital Sun".
66. Richert, Kevin. (2021-11-17). "Labrador enters attorney general's race".
67. "Election Night Results".
68. (November 8, 2022). "Raul Labrador wins Idaho Attorney General race".
69. (January 6, 2023). "Idaho AG Labrador to dismiss trespassing charge of supporter from 2020 'park mom' arrest".