Republican convicted of assaulting reporter to join House

Gianforte, a wealthy former software executive, has called for civility in politics following his conviction for assaulting a reporter the day before winning a special congressional election.

Members of Congress have an obligation to ratchet down the vitriol in politics, especially after last week's shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise during a Republican congressional baseball practice, Gianforte said.

The shooter had volunteered for Bernie Sanders' Democratic presidential campaign and expressed grievances online about President Donald Trump and Republicans.

Gianforte was ordered to pay a fine, perform community service and take anger management training, but he received no jail time.