Newt Gingrich

Newt Gingrich's path toward a long, influential career in politics was paved at an early age. He was born Newton Leroy McPherson on June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pa., and was raised on military bases where his adoptive father, career Army officer Robert Gingrich, was stationed. While he lived with his family in France in the late 1950s, the younger Gingrich developed an interest in history and politics.

A visit to the World War II site of the Battle of Verdun was particularly influential, as Newt learned about the sacrifices of war and the importance of political leadership.

In 1970, Gingrich began a career in academia, joining West Georgia College as an assistant professor of history and geography. During this time, he launched his first bid for political office, losing twice to the Democratic incumbent before finally winning a seat in the House in 1978. From there, the Georgia representative would win re-election 10 times and gain great prominence in the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

After House Minority Whip Dick Cheney was appointed Secretary of Defense in 1989, Gingrich narrowly won election to take his place. It became a signature moment for Gingrich, who used his newfound power to construct a more aggressive, activist party, leading to the drafting of the "Contract With America."

The document included policies such as welfare reform, tax cuts, tougher crime laws and a balanced budget law that Republicans pushed for once the party took House control in 1994.

Soon enough, Gingrich was elected Speaker and fulfilled his promise to bring each facet of the Contract to a House vote. In helping guide the Republicans back to power - the party last controlled the House in 1954 - Gingrich was named Time magazine's 1995 "Man of the Year."

His popularity would eventually erode, however, amid hard-line stances against the policies of then-President Bill Clinton and charges of ethics violations, and a day after the Republicans lost five House seats during the 1998 midterm elections, Gingrich stepped down as Speaker. The next January, he resigned from his seat in Congress.

He has not served in an official government position since, but the erudite former professor has remained actively involved in national politics and public policy debate. Even a failed run at the 2012 GOP presidential nomination hasn't dampened Gingrich's commitment to touting conservative Republican values.

In addition to authoring several books, he serves as a consultant, TV commentator, and fellow at leading conservative think tanks. In 2016, Gingrich was back in the political spotlight as a supporter of future President Donald Trump and was reportedly among Trump's final three choices to be his running mate. (Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was eventually selected.)