Gingrich, Newt (1943-…), a Georgia Republican, served as speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. He was a member of the House from 1979 until he resigned in 1999. He was minority whip (assistant leader) from 1989 until 1995. From May 2011 to May 2012, Gingrich campaigned for the 2012 Republican nomination for president.
During the 1994 congressional elections, Gingrich led a Republican movement that included calls for cuts in government spending to balance the federal budget. The goals were outlined in a statement called the Contract with America. Under Gingrich’s leadership, the Republicans gained their first House majority in 40 years.
In 1997, the House voted to reprimand Gingrich and fine him $300,000. It marked the first time the House had reprimanded a speaker. The action was based on House Ethics Committee findings (1) that Gingrich had used tax-exempt foundation money to promote Republican goals in a televised college course he taught and in televised town meetings, and (2) that he gave the committee untrue information during its investigation.
Most Republican leaders believed their party would gain seats in the 1998 House elections. However, they lost seats, and dissatisfaction with Gingrich’s leadership grew. He resigned as speaker and from Congress in early 1999.
Gingrich was born on June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His given and family name was Newton Leroy McPherson. When he was a child, his mother divorced his father and married Robert Bruce Gingrich, who adopted him. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University in 1965 and a Ph.D. in history from Tulane University in 1971. Gingrich taught history at West Georgia College (now University of West Georgia) from 1970 to 1978. His writings include To Renew America (1995); Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America (2005); and A Nation Like No Other: Why American Exceptionalism Matters (2011). Gingrich has also worked as a political commentator for cable television news programs.
