Ralph Abraham (politician)

Ralph Lee Abraham, Jr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 5th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2015
Preceded by	Vance McAllister
Personal details
Born	September 16, 1954 Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Dianne Abraham
Children	3
Parents	Ralph Lee and Marlene Posey Abraham
Residence	Mangham, Richland Parish Louisiana
Alma mater	Louisiana State University Louisiana State University School of Medicine
Occupation	Physician Former veterinarian
Religion	Baptist[1]
Military service
Service/branch	United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Mississippi National Guard

Ralph Lee Abraham, Jr. (born September 16, 1954)^[2] is an American physician and former veterinarian from Mangham, Louisiana, who won election on December 6, 2014, as a Republican to represent Louisiana's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.^[3] He defeated his Democratic opponent, Mayor Jamie Mayo of Monroe, by a margin of 134,612 votes (64.2 percent) to 75,004 (35.8 percent).^[4]

Background

Abraham is the son of the former Marlene Posey (1932–2015), a retired educator, and Ralph Abraham, Sr. (1933–1980).^[5][6]

Abraham has served in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Mississippi National Guard. He and his wife, Dianne, have three children. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the Louisiana State University School of Medicine.^[7]

U.S. House of Representatives

Tenure

Abraham was sworn into office in the 114th United States Congress on January 3, 2015.

After his election, Abraham announced that Luke J. Letlow, his campaign manager, would become his chief of staff.^[8]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Agriculture
  • Subcommittee on Nutrition
  • Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
• Committee on Science, Space and Technology
  • Subcommittee on Environment
  • Subcommittee on Research and Technology
• Committee on Veterans' Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Health

Political positions

Abraham believes the Affordable Care Act should be repealed. He opposes the expansion of Medicaid. Regarding illegal immigration, Abraham opposes amnesty and supports strengthening border security. He supports simplifying the tax code, equal pay for women, and approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline.^[9]

References

1. "Members of Congress: Religious Affiliations". Pew Research Center. January 5, 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
2. "Guide to the New Congress" (PDF). Roll Call. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
3. "NELA Doctor Running for Congress". myarklamiss.com. May 30, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
4. "Runoff election returns, December 6, 2014". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
5. Greg Hilburn (July 29, 2015). "Congressman Abraham’s mother, 83, dies". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
6. "Ralph Lee Abraham". findagrave.com. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
7. Greg Hilburn (November 22, 2014). "Abraham: ‘We remained consistent and persistent’". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
8. Greg Hilburn (December 10, 2014). "Letlow named Abraham’s chief of staff". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
9. Kaleb Causey (November 20, 2014). "Mayo, Abraham face off in 5th District debate". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved December 13, 2014.

External links

• Official U.S. House website
• Ralph Abraham for Congress
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Project Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at The Library of Congress
• Ralph Abraham at Ballotpedia