Encyclopedia · Biography
Scott Garrett
American former New Jersey lawmaker and House Freedom Caucus cofounder
Personal details
- Full name
- Scott Garrett
- Born
- July 1959 · Englewood, New Jersey; original federal records disagree between July 7 and July 9
- Education
- High Point Regional High School (1977); Montclair State University, B.A. (1981); Rutgers School of Law, J.D. (1984)
- Political party
- Republican
- Spouse
- Mary Ellen Garrett
- Children
- Jennifer and Brittany
- Employment
- Attorney in private practice; Securities and Exchange Commission staff (2018–2021)
- Public service
- New Jersey Assembly (1990–2002); U.S. House (2003–2017)
Scott Garrett (born 1959) is an American former Republican congressman from New Jersey and one of the nine founding members of the House Freedom Caucus in 2015.
Family, education and law
Garrett was born in Englewood, New Jersey and attended High Point Regional High School, Montclair State University and Rutgers Law School. He worked in private legal practice, including with Sellar Richardson. A 2016 Congressional Directory lists wife Mary Ellen and daughters Jennifer and Brittany.
State and congressional service
Garrett served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1990 to 2002 and represented New Jersey’s fifth district in the U.S. House from 2003 to 2017. He lost his 2016 reelection campaign.
House Freedom Caucus and later career
The original House announcement lists Garrett among the nine House Freedom Caucus founders in January 2015. Following Congress he worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during 2018–2021. His presence at a caucus meeting does not establish a direct personal business relationship with all other founders.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.