Newt Gingrich is an American politician and author who served as the 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. He is a member of the Republican Party and played a significant role in the 1994 midterm elections, leading the party to a majority in the House for the first time in 40 years. Born on June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Gingrich has also been involved in various political and academic endeavors after leaving Congress. He is known for his advocacy of conservative policies and has written several books on politics and history, contributing to public discourse on American governance.