Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States Senator from Missouri since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 43rd Attorney General of Missouri and as the Missouri State Treasurer. Schmitt first entered public office as a member of the Missouri Senate, representing parts of St. Louis County.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Bridgeton, Missouri, he attended De Smet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Following his undergraduate studies, Schmitt obtained his Juris Doctor from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Before entering politics, he worked in private legal practice and was involved in his family's small business.

Legal and political career

His political career began with his election to the Glendale Board of Aldermen. In 2008, he was elected to the Missouri Senate, where he served as the Majority Caucus Chair and championed legislation on issues including tax reform and tort reform. In 2016, he was elected as the Missouri State Treasurer, overseeing the state's cash management and unclaimed property programs. He was appointed as the Missouri Attorney General in 2019 following the resignation of Josh Hawley, who was elected to the U.S. Senate, and was subsequently elected to a full term in 2020. As Attorney General, he gained national prominence for launching numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration, challenging policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, and environmental regulation.

U.S. Senate

In 2022, he declared his candidacy for the United States Senate seat in Missouri being vacated by retiring Senator Roy Blunt. He won a competitive Republican primary, defeating opponents including former Governor Eric Greitens and U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler. In the general election, he defeated Democrat Trudy Busch Valentine to win the seat. Upon taking office in January 2023, he was assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary.

Political positions

Schmitt is considered a staunch conservative and an ally of the America First movement. He is a vocal critic of what he terms "woke" policies and big tech companies. He has advocated for stricter border security measures, including support for the construction of a wall along the Mexico–United States border. On economic issues, he supports lower taxes and has opposed the Inflation Reduction Act. He is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has an "A-rating" from the National Rifle Association. He is also a prominent opponent of critical race theory being taught in schools and has supported legislation to ban transgender athletes from women's sports.

Electoral history

In 2008, he was elected to the Missouri Senate from the 15th district, defeating Democrat James Trout. He ran unopposed for re-election in 2012. In 2016, he was elected Missouri State Treasurer, defeating Democrat Judy Baker. In 2020, he was elected to a full term as Missouri Attorney General, defeating Democrat Rich Finneran. His 2022 campaign for the U.S. Senate saw him win the Republican primary with approximately 46% of the vote in a crowded field before securing the general election with 55% of the vote against Trudy Busch Valentine.

Category:Members of the United States Senate from Missouri Category:Missouri Attorneys General Category:Missouri state senators