Thomas Garrett

Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. is a former American politician and attorney who served as a U.S. Representative for Virginia's 5th congressional district from 2017 until 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Garrett previously held a position in the Virginia Senate, representing the 22nd district. Following his congressional tenure, he announced plans to run for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023, where he successfully won election to represent the 56th district.

Early life and career

Thomas Alexander Garrett Jr. was born on March 27, 1972, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Thomas Alexander Garrett Sr. and Lois Garrett. He spent his formative years in Louisa County, Virginia, where he graduated from Louisa County High School. Following high school, Garrett pursued higher education at the University of Richmond, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and a law degree.

Garrett's career began in the military, where he served for six years in the United States Army as a Field Artillery officer. This experience in the armed forces provided him with a foundation in leadership and public service. After his military service, Garrett transitioned into the legal field, serving as an Assistant Attorney General under Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell. His legal career progressed when he was elected as the Commonwealth's Attorney for Louisa County in 2007, a position that allowed him to engage directly with legal matters in his community.

In 2011, following a redistricting of the Virginia State Senate, Garrett decided to run for an open seat in the 22nd District. He successfully navigated the Republican primary, securing the nomination with nearly 26% of the vote in a competitive five-person race. His tenure in the Virginia Senate included participation on several committees, such as General Laws and Technology, Courts of Justice, Education and Health, and Privileges and Elections. This experience in state politics laid the groundwork for his subsequent congressional campaign.

House tenure

Garrett's entry into the U.S. House of Representatives began with his nomination as the Republican candidate for Virginia's 5th congressional district in May 2016. After a competitive nominating convention that required three ballots, he secured the nomination. In the general election held in November 2016, Garrett faced Democratic nominee Jane Dittmar, a former chairwoman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Garrett won the election with a significant majority, receiving 58.2% of the vote compared to Dittmar's 41.6%.

During his time in the House, which began in January 2017, Garrett was appointed to several important committees, including Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Education and the Workforce. He was also a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group known for its conservative stance, despite having indicated during his campaign that he would not join such a group. Additionally, he participated in the Republican Study Committee, which focuses on conservative policy initiatives.

Garrett's tenure was not without controversy. In the spring of 2018, reports emerged that he and his wife had utilized congressional staff for personal tasks, leading to the resignation of his chief of staff. This situation raised questions about the appropriateness of his use of congressional resources. Amidst these challenges, Garrett faced a competitive re-election campaign in 2018. As fundraising efforts from Democratic opponents increased, political analysts began to view the race as more competitive than initially expected. Ultimately, on May 28, 2018, Garrett announced that he would not seek re-election, citing his struggles with alcoholism.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Garrett's legislative focus encompassed various issues pertinent to his constituents and national interests. His appointments to the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees indicated a commitment to addressing both domestic and international concerns. His involvement in the Education and the Workforce committee reflected an interest in educational policy and workforce development, which are critical issues for many constituents in his district.

Garrett's association with the House Freedom Caucus suggested alignment with conservative principles, although he had initially distanced himself from the group during his campaign. His participation in the Republican Study Committee further emphasized his engagement with conservative policymaking and legislative initiatives.

One notable event during Garrett's congressional tenure was his association with Jason Kessler, a constituent who later became known for organizing the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The rally, which occurred in August 2017, resulted in violent clashes and significant public outcry. Following the event, Garrett disavowed Kessler, stating that he was unaware of Kessler's role in the rally at the time of their meeting.

Garrett's time in the House concluded on January 3, 2019, marking the end of his single term in Congress. Following his departure from the House, Garrett continued his political career by announcing his candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023. His election to represent the 56th district in that body reflects his ongoing involvement in Virginia politics.

In his personal life, Garrett faced challenges that became public in the years following his congressional service. In April 2019, he and his wife, Flanna Sheridan, separated. Subsequently, Sheridan filed a lawsuit in 2021, alleging false imprisonment and emotional distress, among other claims, stemming from an incident involving Garrett. These developments have added complexity to his public persona as he continues his political career.

Overall, Thomas A. Garrett, Jr.'s career has spanned military service, legal practice, and various political roles, reflecting a commitment to public service and engagement in the political landscape of Virginia and the United States.