Allen West (politician)

Allen Bernard West (born February 7, 1961) is an American political commentator and politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party, West represented in the House from 2011 to 2013.
In July 2019, West announced he would be running for the chairmanship of the Republican Party of Texas in 2020. He won the election, however, resigned at Texas GOP Chair in 2021.
On May 23, 2020, West was in a motorcycle crash just outside Waco, Texas.
West unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of Texas, challenging incumbent Governor Greg Abbott.
In October 2021, West was diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia. While hospitalized, he continued to criticize COVID-19 vaccinations and mask mandates.