Scott DesJarlais

Scott DesJarlais is a Republican U.S. Representative serving Tennessee's 4th congressional district. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he was raised in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he later attended the University of South Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and psychology in 1987 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1991. Before entering politics, DesJarlais practiced general medicine in Marion County, Tennessee, for nearly two decades. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010, defeating a Democratic incumbent, and assumed office on January 3, 2011. Throughout his tenure, DesJarlais has been a member of the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Agriculture. He is a prominent member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and the GOP Doctors Caucus. One of his notable legislative accomplishments includes a 2016 law allowing military personnel to carry firearms at recruiting stations, which he introduced following the 2015 Chattanooga terrorist attack. As of the 119th Congress, he serves as the chairman of the House Armed Forces Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

DesJarlais is consistently ranked as one of the most conservative members of Congress. On healthcare, he strongly opposes the Affordable Care Act and has repeatedly voted for its repeal, advocating instead for free-market reforms, allowing the purchase of insurance across state lines, and strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. His economic platform focuses on fiscal discipline, including support for a balanced budget amendment, significant tax reductions, and the elimination of what he describes as burdensome government regulations that affect small businesses and farmers. In terms of immigration, he supports increased border security through physical barriers and stricter enforcement of existing laws, having received top ratings from immigration-reduction advocacy groups. His foreign policy views generally emphasize a strong national defense, though he has expressed skepticism toward large foreign aid packages, including certain funding measures for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, he supports Second Amendment rights and has voted against establishing new federal holidays, such as Juneteenth.