Billy Long

Last updated
Barbara Long
​
(m. 1984)​
Billy Long
Billy Long 115th official photo.jpg
Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Presumptive nominee
Assuming office
TBD
Children2
Education University of Missouri (attended)

William Hollis "Billy" Long II [1] (born August 11, 1955) [2] is an American politician, lobbyist and former auctioneer who served as the U.S. representative for Missouri's 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2023. Most recently, on December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Long to serve as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. [3] [4]

Contents

Long was one of the first elected officials to jump on the “Trump train,” a phrase he claims to have coined. [5] Long brings "32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country." [6] President Trump "described him as a 'people person' who was 'well respected on both sides of the aisle.'" [7]

According to a WSJ article, President Trump’s pick to run the IRS can save taxpayers billions of dollars and millions of headaches. Billy Long can curb the agency’s spending and boost its security." [8] Trump describes Long as a "consummate people person" and stated that "taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm." [9]

A member of the Republican Party, Long was elected to fill the district's seat in 2010, succeeding Roy Blunt upon his election to the U.S. Senate. The district included much of the southwestern quadrant of the state and was anchored in Springfield. It also included Joplin and Branson. After Blunt announced that he would not run for reelection to the Senate in 2022, Long became a candidate in the 2022 race to succeed him, but lost the Republican primary to Eric Schmitt. [10]

Early life and education

According to Long, he is a fourth-generation native of Missouri. [11] He was born in Springfield in 1955. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri [12] . Long later attended a training program at the prestigious Missouri Auction School in Kansas City. [13] He received his Certified Auctioneer designation via the National Auctioneers Association.[ citation needed ]

Career

Long owned Billy Long Auctions, LLC. He was also a talk radio show host on the Springfield-based station KWTO. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, National Auctioneers Association, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Rifle Association of America, and the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors. [13]

U.S. House of Representatives

Long was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023.

During a September 2018 House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing on alleged anti-conservative bias on social media, far-right internet personality Laura Loomer interrupted the meeting. Long began a mock auction chant pretending he was selling Loomer's mobile phone until she was escorted out. [14] [15] The incident generated considerable laughter and applause from the audience. [16]

In September 2018, in response to sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Long retweeted a Twitter post comparing the allegations to a "kiss on the forehead". [17]

Tax consulting

After leaving Congress, Long worked as a business and tax advisor while helping small business navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS rules and regulations. [18] On his X profile, Long describes himself as a "Certified Tax & Business Advisor" who can help clients save 40% on their taxes.

Nominated for Commission of Internal Revenue

Billy Long was announced as the nominee for IRS commissioner in 2024 by President-elect Trump. [19] [20] During his time in Congress, Long repeatedly sponsored bills to abolish the IRS. [18]

"Running the Internal Revenue Service is a thankless task, but tackling security, technology and other problems at the agency would be a public service. President Trump’s pick to run the IRS can save taxpayers billions of dollars and millions of headaches. Billy Long can curb the agency’s spending and boost its security." [21] Additionally, President Trump "described him as a 'people person' who was 'well respected on both sides of the aisle.'" [22]

Political positions

Donald Trump

Long was an early enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump. [18] In fact, Long was one of the first elected officials to jump on the “Trump train,” a phrase he claims to have coined. Trump has also said, “He (Billy) is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress.” [23]

After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election [24] and Donald Trump refused to concede, Long pushed Trump's false claims [25] of voter fraud in the election. [26] In December 2020, Long supported an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania , a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the election based on allegations of fraud. [27] [28]

Long supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order banning entry to the U.S. to citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. [29]

Most recently, on December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Long to serve as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. [30] [31] Long brings "32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country." [32] President Trump "described him as a 'people person' who was 'well respected on both sides of the aisle.'" [33]

LGBT rights

In 2015, Long condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges , which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the constitution. [34]

Tax

According to a WSJ article, "Running the Internal Revenue Service is a thankless task, but tackling security, technology and other problems at the agency would be a public service. President Trump’s pick to run the IRS can save taxpayers billions of dollars and millions of headaches. Billy Long can curb the agency’s spending and boost its security." [35]


Election history

Long during the 112th Congress Billy Long official congressional photo.jpg
Long during the 112th Congress

2010

Republican primary

Long joined the race for the 7th Congressional District after incumbent U.S. representative Roy Blunt chose to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kit Bond. In the crowded seven-way Republican primary—the de facto election in the state's most Republican district—Long won with 36% of the vote.

Missouri's 7th district Republican primary, August 3, 2010
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long38,21836.56
Republican Jack Goodman30,40129.08
Republican Gary Nodler14,56113.93
Republican Darrell Moore9,3128.91
Republican Jeff Wisdom4,5524.36
Republican Mike Moon4,4734.28
Republican Steve Hunter2,1732.08
Republican Michael Wardell8440.81
Total votes104,534 100.00
General election
2010 Election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 141,010 63.39
Democratic Scott Eckersley67,54530.37
Libertarian Kevin Craig13,8666.23
Write-In Others100.00

2012

2012 Election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 203,565 63.87
Democratic Jim Evans98,49830.90
Libertarian Kevin Craig16,6685.23
Write-In Others90.00

2014

In the August 5 Republican primary, Long defeated Marshall Works, 62.4% to 37.6%. [36]

2014 Election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 104,054 63.46
Democratic Jim Evans47,28228.84
Libertarian Kevin Craig12,5847.68
Write-In Others370.02

2016

In the August 2 Republican primary, Long defeated Nathan Clay, Christopher Batsche, Matthew Evans, Lyndle Spencer, Matthew Canovi, James Nelson and Mary Byrne. [37]

2016 Election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 228,692 67.5
Democratic Genevieve Williams92,75627.4
Libertarian Benjamin Brixey17,1535.1
Write-In Others60.0

2018

In the Republican primary, Long defeated Jim Evans, Lance Norris, and Benjamin Holcomb. In the general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Jamie Schoolcraft, who had defeated Kenneth Hatfield, John Farmer de la Torre, and Vincent Jennings in the Democratic primary. [38]

2018 Election for U.S. Representative of Missouri's 7th Congressional District
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 195,872 66.3
Democratic Jamie Schoolcraft88,64230
Libertarian Benjamin Brixey10,8333.7
Write-In Others2700.1

2020

In the August 4 Republican primary, Long defeated Eric Harleman, Kevin VanStory, Steve Chetnik and Camille Lombardi-Olive. [39]

Missouri's 7th congressional district, 2020 [40]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Billy Long 254,318 68.9
Democratic Teresa Montseny98,11126.6
Libertarian Kevin Craig15,5734.2
Independent Audrey Richards (write-in)1,2790.3
Write-in 20.0

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Long has participated in the World Poker Tour.[ citation needed ]

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References

  1. ↑ "Obituary for William H. Long". Archived from the original on 2019-04-09. Retrieved 2018-12-24.
  2. ↑ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2020-12-31.
  3. ↑ Fields, Ashleigh (2024-12-04). "Donald Trump names Billy Long as IRS head". The Hill. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  4. ↑ Erb, Kelly Phillips. "Trump Picks Former Representative Billy Long As Next IRS Commissioner". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  5. ↑ https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-picks-missouris-billy-long-to-lead-the-irs/
  6. ↑ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/
  7. ↑ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/
  8. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/opinion/billy-long-irs-donald-trump-taxes-danny-werfel-1b31eaf1
  9. ↑ https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-picks-missouris-billy-long-to-lead-the-irs/
  10. ↑ Gomez, Henry J. (August 2, 2022). "Eric Schmitt wins GOP primary for Senate in Missouri, defeating former Gov. Greitens". NBCNews.com . Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  11. ↑ "What to know about Billy Long, the ex-congressman and auctioneer Trump wants to head the IRS - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2024-12-06.
  12. ↑ "About Billy Long". Billy Long for Congress. 2010-11-02. Archived from the original on 2011-09-10. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
  13. 1 2 "Meet Vicky". billyforcongress.com. 2020-08-17. Archived from the original on 2020-08-17.
  14. ↑ "Congressman drowns out protester with auction call in Twitter hearing". CBS News . 5 September 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  15. ↑ "Watch: A fast-talking auctioneer-turned-Congressman drowned out this far-right protester". PBS NewsHour. Associated Press. September 5, 2018. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  16. ↑ Watkins, Eli (5 September 2018). "Congressman uses old auctioneer skills to drown out protester during hearing". CNN. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  17. ↑ Sonmez, Felicia (September 17, 2018). "Congressman retweets post mocking sexual assault allegation against Brett Kavanaugh". The Washington Post .
  18. 1 2 3 "How a Consulting Firm and Trump's I.R.S. Pick Pushed a Problematic Tax Credit". New York Times. 2024.
  19. ↑ Fields, Ashleigh (2024-12-04). "Donald Trump names Billy Long as IRS head". The Hill. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  20. ↑ Erb, Kelly Phillips. "Trump Picks Former Representative Billy Long As Next IRS Commissioner". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  21. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/opinion/billy-long-irs-donald-trump-taxes-danny-werfel-1b31eaf1
  22. ↑ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/
  23. ↑ https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-picks-missouris-billy-long-to-lead-the-irs/
  24. ↑ "Presidential Election Results 2020: Biden Wins". The New York Times . November 3, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  25. ↑ Shepherd, Katie (November 6, 2020). "GOP splits over Trump's false election claims, unfounded fraud allegations". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  26. ↑ Huguelot, Austin (November 12, 2020). "Top Missouri Republicans embrace Trump's resistance to election results". Rolla Daily News. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
  27. ↑ Court document supremecourt.gov
  28. ↑ "We Will Object". U.S. Representative Billy Long. 31 December 2020.
  29. ↑ Blake, Aaron (January 31, 2017). "Whip Count: Here's where Republicans stand on Trump's controversial travel ban" . The Washington Post . Archived from the original on January 29, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  30. ↑ Fields, Ashleigh (2024-12-04). "Donald Trump names Billy Long as IRS head". The Hill. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  31. ↑ Erb, Kelly Phillips. "Trump Picks Former Representative Billy Long As Next IRS Commissioner". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  32. ↑ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/
  33. ↑ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5023124-trump-names-billy-long-as-irs-head/amp/
  34. ↑ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
  35. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/opinion/billy-long-irs-donald-trump-taxes-danny-werfel-1b31eaf1
  36. ↑ "2014 Missouri House Primaries Results". Politico . August 6, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Missouri's 7th Congressional District election, 2016". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  38. ↑ "Billy Long". Ballotpedia.
  39. ↑ "Missouri's 7th Congressional District election, 2020". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  40. ↑ "All Results State of Missouri - State of Missouri - General Election, November 03, 2020". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  42. ↑ "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  43. ↑ "Members". U.S. - Japan Caucus. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Missouri's 7th congressional district
2011–2023		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative		Succeeded byas Former US Representative
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