Theodore Scott Yoho (born April 13, 1955) is an American veterinarian, entrepreneur and former U.S. Representative. A member of the Republican Party, Yoho served four terms in Congress after winning his party's 2012 primary and the subsequent general election. His background in large-animal medicine and small-business ownership informed much of his public profile and legislative priorities while in office.

Early life and professional background

Yoho trained as a veterinarian and worked as a large-animal practitioner before moving into retail agricultural and feed-supply businesses in north-central Florida. He built a reputation locally as a hands-on practitioner and small-business owner. Those professional ties shaped his interest in agricultural policy, animal health, rural economic issues and regulatory relief for family farms and small enterprises.

Election to Congress

In 2012 Yoho ran for the U.S. House and defeated a long-serving incumbent in the Republican primary, an outcome that brought national attention to the district race. He took office in January 2013 representing Florida's 3rd congressional district. During his tenure he emphasized conservative principles such as limited government, fiscal restraint and deregulation.

Congressional activity and positions

  • Committee work focused on matters important to rural constituencies, including agriculture and foreign policy concerns that affected trade and markets.
  • Legislative priorities included agricultural policy, animal-health issues, support for small businesses and efforts to reduce federal regulatory burden.
  • He was an organizing member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative House Republicans advocating for reduced spending and stronger oversight of the executive branch.

Controversies and later developments

Yoho's style in Congress was often direct and uncompromising, and he was involved in several public confrontations with other lawmakers. One exchange in 2019 drew widespread media attention and prompted him to apologize for his remarks. In December 2019 he announced he would not seek re-election in 2020 and left office in January 2021; he was succeeded by another Republican from the district.

For official records and archived materials from his time in office, consult his congressional biography and related resources such as the Congressional biography. Contemporary coverage of his 2012 primary win and early campaign against long-term incumbent Cliff Stearns provides additional context on his rise to national office.

Ted Yoho's career illustrates a transition from professional practice and small-business ownership into national politics, with a continuing public profile centered on agricultural policy, rural concerns, regulatory reform and conservative governance.