Simon Winston Challenges Louie Gohmert

LUFKIN — Lifelong East Texas Republican rancher and businessman Simon Winston filed Thursday to challenge incumbent Congressman Louie Gohmert in the 2016 GOP primary. According to press materials, Winston manages the Winston 8 Ranch outside Lufkin, as well as timber and other small business concerns. As quoted in a news release, Winston says, “Congress is a circus right now, and Louie Gohmert’s one of the main clowns.” He also claims Gohmert is “no longer working for East Texas.” Winston says he has been a community leader for philanthropic efforts in Angelina and Nacogdoches counties. He adds that he’ll work “to fight for the people of East Texas and their conservative values.” Gohmert didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from KTBB.