Rep. Raul R. Labrador intends to run for governor of Idaho, according to multiple local media reports.
The Idaho Republican has reportedly filed paperwork with the state in order to run for governor. Labrador told CBS affiliate KBOI that he would formally announce his candidacy in the coming weeks.
"Idaho needs a proven conservative leader who will stand against the special interests and politicians that have picked the winners and losers in our state Capitol for too long," Labrador said. "Idaho needs a strong leader who will make government fair for everyone. Idaho needs a governor who will provide a new vision, a new approach and new leadership."
Labrador was first elected to the House in 2010. He is a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, which is a band of conservative members that can sway the House Republican agenda.
His district spans the western half of the state. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates his 2018 race as Safe Republican.
Labrador recently faced criticism following the House passing the GOP health care bill, known as the American Health Care Act, saying at a recent town hall, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care." He later said his remark was taken out of context and said it "wasn't very elegant," according to The Spokesman-Review.
Labrador is the sixth member of the House to announce a gubernatorial run in the 2018 cycle.
