Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the junior United States senator from Missouri. A member of the Republican Party, Schmitt has held various political offices, including state treasurer and attorney general of Missouri, prior to his election to the Senate in 2022. His legislative focus has included tax reform, public safety, and issues related to disability rights. Schmitt's current term in the Senate is set to conclude on January 3, 2029.

Early life and career

Eric Schmitt was born on June 20, 1975, in Bridgeton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He completed his secondary education at DeSmet Jesuit High School, graduating in 1993. Schmitt then pursued higher education at Truman State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1997. During his time at Truman, he was actively involved in campus life, participating in athletics as a member of the football and baseball teams, and contributing to community service as a founding member of the university's Habitat for Humanity chapter. Following his undergraduate studies, Schmitt received a scholarship to attend Saint Louis University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2000.

After being admitted to the Missouri bar in the same year, Schmitt began his legal career as a partner at the law firm Lathrop & Gage, LLP, located in Clayton, Missouri. His initial foray into politics began when he served as an alderman for Glendale, Missouri, from 2005 to 2008, representing Ward 3. This position marked the beginning of his public service career, which would expand significantly in the following years.

Senate tenure

Schmitt's political career advanced when he was elected to the Missouri Senate in November 2008, representing the 15th district, which encompasses parts of central and western St. Louis County. His tenure in the state legislature lasted until 2017, during which he was involved in various legislative efforts. Notably, he sponsored significant tax reform measures, including a major reduction in the state income tax and franchise tax. Schmitt also advocated for legislation that expanded benefits and tax exemptions for individuals with disabilities.

In response to the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, Schmitt led a bipartisan initiative to eliminate traffic ticket quotas and limit local governments' reliance on non-traffic fines for revenue. His efforts in this area were aimed at reforming practices that disproportionately affected certain communities. Schmitt's legislative accomplishments during his time in the Missouri Senate included the introduction of bills that supported autism therapy funding and tax-exempt savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.

In 2016, Schmitt was elected as the 46th state treasurer of Missouri, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure as treasurer, he launched the MO ABLE program, designed to assist individuals with disabilities in saving for their future. He also created the Show-Me Checkbook website, which aimed to enhance transparency in state financial operations by providing public access to data on state spending and revenues.

Following his term as treasurer, Schmitt was appointed Missouri Attorney General by Governor Mike Parson in January 2019, succeeding Josh Hawley, who had been elected to the U.S. Senate. Schmitt was subsequently elected to a full term as attorney general in 2020. His tenure in this role was marked by a series of high-profile legal actions, including efforts to challenge the Affordable Care Act and the results of the 2020 presidential election. He also took legal action against various school districts and municipalities regarding mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as against the Chinese government for its alleged role in the pandemic.

In 2022, Schmitt successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, defeating Democratic nominee Trudy Busch Valentine. He began his Senate term in January 2023 and is currently serving as a member of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, where he holds the position of vice chair.

Legislative focus and committees

As a U.S. senator, Schmitt has aligned himself with national conservatism and has been active in various legislative initiatives. His focus areas include economic policy, public safety, and disability rights, reflecting his previous experiences in state government. Schmitt's background as a state legislator and attorney general informs his approach to federal issues, particularly those related to taxation and government accountability.

In the Senate, Schmitt has participated in discussions surrounding economic policy, advocating for tax reforms that aim to stimulate economic growth and provide relief to taxpayers. His previous legislative efforts in Missouri, particularly those targeting tax reductions, have shaped his current positions on fiscal matters.

Schmitt's role on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee allows him to engage with economic issues at a national level, contributing to discussions that influence federal economic policy. His involvement in this committee underscores his commitment to addressing economic challenges facing the country.

Overall, Schmitt's legislative focus reflects a continuation of his previous work in state government, emphasizing tax reform, public safety, and support for individuals with disabilities. As he serves in the Senate, Schmitt's actions and decisions will continue to shape his political legacy and impact the constituents of Missouri.