Idaho Tea Party Republican congressman Raul Labrador threw his hat into the ring to replace House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who is stepping down after his stunning primary loss on Tuesday.
Labrador, who was born to a single mother in Puerto Rico, practiced immigration law before entering politics. He was elected to Congress in 2010 during the Tea Party "wave."
He was one of several House Republicans working on a bipartisan immigration bill though he quit the negotiations over disagreements in certain policy areas, particularly healthcare.
In his website, Labrador stated why he wants to run for Majority Leader.
"Republicans need to address the growing challenges of immobility amongst the poor, insecurity in the middle class and stop protecting the special interests at the top. We must ensure every American has an equal opportunity to succeed, that they are treated fairly not only by the laws we pass in Congress, but by our political system," he stated.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California and the current House majority whip, is considered to be the favorite to replace Cantor.
On Friday at Idaho's Republican convention Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul offered his support for Labrador. "I think he would make a great leader," he said.
