Jim DeMint

Prior to representing South Carolina in the U.S. House (1999-2005) and U.S. Senate (2005-2013), Jim DeMint developed his understanding of conservative principles in action as a husband, father and small business owner in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for policy entrepreneurship, he authored leading conservative reforms to health care, education, taxes, and entitlements. DeMint garnered national acclaim from conservatives for leading efforts to ban congressional earmarks, which had been the source of billions of dollars of wasteful spending for decades and led to corruption and widespread abuse.

He also served as the President of The Heritage Foundation for four years, taking the organization to new heights of influence. Under DeMint’s direction, Heritage partnered with the Federalist Society to create a list of possible Supreme Court judicial nominations that culminated in the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch. He now serves as Chairman of Conservative Partnership Institute and is the Founding Chairman of Palmetto Promise Institute.

DeMint and his wife, Debbie, have four children who now are grown and married. They’ve taken a shine to being grandparents.

Follow Senator DeMint on Twitter at @JimDeMint.