Biography

Scott DesJarlais, born on February 21, 1964, in Des Moines, Iowa, is a Republican politician and physician serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District since 2011. Raised in Sturgis, South Dakota, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Psychology in 1987 and his Doctor of Medicine in 1991, both from the University of South Dakota. After completing his medical education, DesJarlais moved to Tennessee in 1993 to practice general medicine in Marion County. He resides in Sherwood, Tennessee, with his wife, Amy, and their three children: Tyler, Ryan, and Maggie. The family is active in the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Sherwood.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Psychology, University of South Dakota, 1987
  • Doctor of Medicine, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, 1991

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, defeating Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis.
  • Re-elected in subsequent terms, most recently in 2024, securing 70% of the vote against Democratic challenger Victoria Broderick.
  • Serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Agriculture.
  • Chairman of the House Armed Forces Strategic Forces Subcommittee as of the 119th Congress.
  • Member of the House Freedom Caucus, GOP Doctors Caucus, and Border Security Caucus.

Notable Achievements

• Consistently rated as one of the most effective conservatives in Congress by organizations such as Heritage, the American Conservative Union, and Americans for Prosperity.
• Received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association for his defense of Second Amendment rights.
• Authored legislation allowing military personnel to carry firearms at recruiting stations, which became law in 2016 following the Chattanooga terrorist attack.
• Advocated for fiscal responsibility, voting to cut income taxes, reduce wasteful spending, and balance the federal budget.
• Recognized with awards such as the Tennessee Farm Bureau's "Friend of the Farm Bureau," National Federation of Independent Business' "Guardian of Small Business," and the American Conservative Union's "Award for Conservative Excellence."

DesJarlais's tenure in Congress reflects his commitment to conservative principles, national security, and the well-being of his constituents in Tennessee's 4th District.