Paul Gosar

Paul Gosar is an American politician and former dentist serving as the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 9th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has represented various districts in Arizona since first being elected in 2010, defeating incumbent Ann Kirkpatrick. Known for his staunchly conservative and America First political alignment, his tenure has been marked by strong advocacy for border security, support for former President Donald Trump, and involvement in several high-profile political controversies.

Early life and education

He was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and raised in Pinedale, Wyoming, in a family of ten children. His father worked for the Bureau of Land Management and his mother was a teacher. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1981 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985. During his time at Creighton University, he was involved with the Creighton University School of Dentistry and participated in various student organizations.

Early career

Before entering politics, he established a career as a dentist, practicing in Flagstaff, Arizona. He served as president of the Arizona Dental Association and was involved with the American Dental Association. His involvement in professional organizations led to early political engagement, including advocacy on healthcare issues. He was also a member of the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners and participated in community activities in Coconino County.

U.S. House of Representatives

He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2010, winning Arizona's 1st congressional district. He served on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Following redistricting, he represented Arizona's 4th congressional district from 2013 to 2023 before being elected to the newly created Arizona's 9th congressional district in 2022. He has been a member of the House Freedom Caucus and the Congressional Western Caucus, aligning closely with figures like Jim Jordan and Andy Biggs.

Political positions and views

He is known for his strongly conservative positions, emphasizing strict immigration enforcement and support for the border wall along the Mexico–United States border. He has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and was a key proponent of challenging the results of the 2020 United States presidential election. His policy focus includes opposition to the Affordable Care Act, advocacy for Second Amendment rights, and support for energy development on federal lands, often clashing with the Bureau of Land Management and the Environmental Protection Agency. He has expressed skepticism toward COVID-19 mandates and vaccines.

Controversies

His career has been punctuated by numerous controversies. In 2021, he was censured by the House of Representatives and removed from his committee assignments for posting an animated video that depicted violence against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and President Joe Biden. He was one of the members who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania following the January 6 Capitol attack. His siblings have publicly denounced him in political advertisements, and he has faced criticism for associations with individuals linked to white nationalism, such as Nick Fuentes, and for speaking at an event organized by the America First Political Action Conference.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Arizona