Biography

Dr. Keith A. Rothra moved to Longview, Texas in 1973 after graduating from Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Keith A. RothraScience in Political Science. He also holds a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy State University and a Doctor of Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary.

Keith Rothra served twenty-five years in the military. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve for seven years and served as an officer in the United States Air Force for eighteen years. He earned both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees while serving in the Air Force before retiring in 1992 with the rank of Major. After retiring, Keith Rothra returned to Longview in the summer of 1992.

Dr. Rothra has served as a pastor for over twenty years (twelve years at his current church) and teaches political science for LeTourneau University, Kilgore College, and Texas A&M.

Married to Barbara (Gibbons) in 1973, Keith and Barbara have a son, John, and a daughter, Michelle, and four granddaughters. Barbara was raised in a military family and her family roots in East Texas go back for many generations.

Dr. Rothra has been active in the Republican Party of Gregg County, Texas, since his retirement from the Air Force. Fellow Republicans elected Keith Rothra to attend every Texas Republican State Convention over the past fifteen years. In 2006, Dr. Rothra was elected and served as the Chair of Senatorial District One Caucus.

He is greatly concerned about the disunity within the Republican Party that has risen over the past few years. Out of his love for the party and desire to strengthen it, he seeks to unite the GOP around the conservative principles fostered by the “Reagan revolution.”