Katie Britt

Katie Britt is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States senator from Alabama since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, she succeeded longtime incumbent Richard Shelby, for whom she previously served as chief of staff. Britt is the first woman elected to the United States Senate from Alabama and the youngest Republican woman ever to serve in that chamber.

Early life and education

Katie Elizabeth Boyd was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, where her family operated a small business. She attended Enterprise High School and was actively involved in student government and community organizations. Britt enrolled at the University of Alabama, graduating with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish. She remained at the university to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law, where she served as editor of the Alabama Law Review and was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society.

Early career

Following law school, Britt began her career in public service as a deputy press secretary for then-Senator Richard Shelby. She later worked as a practicing attorney in Tuscaloosa before returning to Capitol Hill to serve as Shelby’s communications director. In 2016, she was promoted to chief of staff for the senator, becoming the first woman to hold that position in his office. During this tenure, she worked on key issues affecting Alabama, including defense authorization, agricultural policy, and federal appropriations. From 2018 to 2021, she served as president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, the state’s largest business advocacy organization.

U.S. Senate

Britt announced her candidacy for the United States Senate in 2021, entering a competitive Republican primary to succeed the retiring Richard Shelby. She secured the nomination after a runoff election against Mo Brooks, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. In the 2022 general election, she defeated Democratic nominee Will Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus by a wide margin. Upon taking office in January 2023, she was assigned to the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Rules and Administration. In 2024, she was selected to deliver the Republican response to the State of the Union address.

Political positions

Britt identifies as a conservative and supports policies aligned with the Republican platform. She is a staunch opponent of abortion, advocating for federal restrictions and praising the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. On economic matters, she supports the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reduced federal regulation, and increased domestic energy production. Regarding immigration, she advocates for enhanced security measures along the southern border, including completion of the border wall. She is a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel alliance and has been critical of the foreign policy of the Biden administration. Britt has also focused on issues related to military readiness and support for veterans.

Personal life

Britt is married to former NFL offensive lineman Wesley Britt, who played for the New England Patriots and attended the University of Alabama. The couple resides in Montgomery with their two children. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Montgomery. In her spare time, Britt has been involved with various charitable organizations, including those supporting children’s hospitals and food security initiatives across the state.

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from Alabama Category:Republican Party United States senators