Gohmert to face Republican opponent for the first time in a decade

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Simon Winston, candidate for U.S. Representative, TX-District 1 (Source: KLTV staff)

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - The East Texas congressman who took a run at being Speaker of the House last year will face a party opponent for the first time since 2005.

U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert of District 1 says he's ready for Super Tuesday.

"If you just stand up, keep making your case, you can't grow weary of doing good," Gohmert said.

The incumbent characterizes himself as a Washington outsider who goes against political agendas when necessary.

"People have realized, this 'go along, get along' like some of my opponents want to go for, it's not going to work," said Gohmert. "I hear it all over the country; people are mad about the establishment."

Republican opponent Simon Winston, a cattle rancher from Lufkin, believes Gohmert is no longer an outsider after over a decade in Congress.

"Gohmert's a career politician. I've been in business all my life, my family's been here. I'm very passionate about East Texas," said Winston. "I think Mr. Gohmert has been very ineffective and has done nothing but draw a government paycheck for 25 years."

Anthony Culler of Nacogdoches County, a stay at home dad, is also running for the District-1 seat as a Republican.

See: ETX U.S. representative race underway, incumbent has GOP opponents for first time

Prior to running for Congress, Gohmert served as a Smith County judge. Gohmert said he has taken a pay cut since entering public service but feels a calling to the position.

Gohmert said the threat of radical Islam and national indebtedness top East Texas voter concerns.

"I've heard this all over East Texas, 'we don't understand why every federal agency gets an automatic increase every year when we're not getting cost of living increases,'" said Gohmert.

As for the presidential race, Gohmert endorsed Senator Ted Cruz and says he finds Donald Trump's support from Christians surprising.

"So many of those people that said the key to perpetuating America as the greatest nation in history is in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, that says we've got to humble ourselves and seek God," said Gohmert. "Yet so many of those very people are now saying, 'I think if we get the guy who says he's never asked God for forgiveness, he's never humbled himself before God, he speaks loudly instead of speaking softly and carrying a big stick;' people are saying if we can just get that guy, then God will bless America. That's been quite a bit of a surprise."

Early voting began February 16 and the final primary election is on March 1.

See: Learn about the candidates: "Your Voice, Your Vote"