Randy Neugebauer

Randy Neugebauer – Life, Career, and Political Legacy

Randy Neugebauer (born December 24, 1949) is an American politician and businessman who served as a Republican U.S. Representative from Texas’s 19th district from 2003 to 2017. Explore his biography, policy priorities, controversies, and legacy.

Introduction

Robert Randolph “Randy” Neugebauer is a conservative American politician and real estate entrepreneur best known for representing West Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2017. As a staunch fiscal conservative with roots in local government, he championed limited government, deregulation, and energy development—but his tenure also drew attention for outspoken rhetoric and several controversies.

Early Life, Education, and Business Career

Randy Neugebauer was born on December 24, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, but was raised in Lubbock, Texas. Coronado High School in Lubbock in 1968.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas Tech University in 1972.

Before entering politics, Neugebauer worked in real estate and land development. He served as president of Lubbock Land, a development company, and was active in homebuilding and real estate associations, including serving as president of the Texas Association of Builders (1996–1997).

Early Political Career

Neugebauer’s first public office was in Lubbock city government. From 1992 to 1998, he served on the Lubbock City Council. 1994 to 1996, he was mayor pro tempore.

His local government focus included efforts to reduce taxes, privatize some municipal services, and apply business principles to city administration.

U.S. House of Representatives (2003–2017)

Election & Tenure

In 2003, following the retirement of long-serving Congressman Larry Combest, Neugebauer won a special election for Texas’s 19th Congressional District. June 3, 2003.

He was reelected multiple times and served until January 3, 2017. September 2015, he announced he would not seek re-election in 2016, citing family reasons.

Neugebauer was often rated among the most conservative members of Congress. In a 2011 survey by the National Journal, he was deemed the “most conservative” member.

Committee Assignments & Legislative Focus

During his time in Congress, Neugebauer served on key committees including:

• Committee on Agriculture (focusing on farm policy, crop commodities)

• Committee on Financial Services (including oversight, capital markets)

• Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (energy, environment, innovation)

He also chaired subcommittees (e.g. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in Financial Services) at points in his tenure.

His legislative efforts included:

• National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013 (H.R.1155) — to streamline regulation for multi-state insurance agents.

• Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014 (H.R.1786) — to renew programs reducing windstorm risk.

Controversies & Notable Incidents

• “Baby Killer” Remark (2010): During a heated debate over the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Neugebauer yelled “Baby killer!” in the House chamber.

• WWII Memorial Incident (2013): During the federal government shutdown, he confronted a National Park Service ranger enforcing closure of the World War II Memorial. The incident drew media criticism and an ethics complaint.

• Ethics Allegations: In 2015, a watchdog group requested an ethics review over allegations tied to donations from payday lending interests connected to his sponsorship of deregulation bills.

Political Views & Ideology

Neugebauer’s political identity was grounded in:

• Fiscal conservatism: advocating lower taxes, reduced spending, limited government

• Free markets and deregulation especially in insurance, financial services, and energy

• Strong support for energy and resource development (especially in West Texas)

• Social conservatism: including pro-life stances

• Emphasis on local values and constituent service, representing a large rural, conservative district

He was affiliated with conservative caucuses such as the Republican Study Committee and the Tea Party Caucus.

Personal Life

Randy Neugebauer married Dana Collins (his high school sweetheart). two sons, Todd and Toby Neugebauer.

Todd has been involved with Aspect Holdings, LLC, and Toby is a co-founder/co-CEO of Quantum Energy Partners, a major energy investment firm.

Neugebauer is a practicing Southern Baptist and has served as a deacon in his church.

Legacy & Assessment

Randy Neugebauer’s political career illustrates the rise of deeply conservative, local-rooted Republicans in the early 21st century. His legacy includes:

• Constituent alignment: He held a strongly conservative district and consistently won re-election, often by comfortable margins

• Policy influence: His focus on deregulation, financial oversight, and energy policy resonated in his committees and bills

• Polarizing style: His blunt rhetoric (e.g. “Baby killer”) and confrontational moments made him a figure of both support and criticism

• Transition to private life: His retirement in 2017 marked a retreat from electoral politics, although his family and business interests continue to exert influence in Texas and energy circles