Scott Fitzgerald

Scott Fitzgerald
Born	Scott Lane Fitzgerald 16 11, 1963
Birthplace	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician
Title	U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district
Known for	Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader; U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district

Scott Lane Fitzgerald (born November 16, 1963) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Fitzgerald previously served in the Wisconsin State Senate for over two decades, including a lengthy tenure as Senate Majority Leader. His political career in Wisconsin has spanned state and federal office, and he has been a prominent figure in the state's Republican politics. In Congress, Fitzgerald has engaged with issues including immigration enforcement, agricultural policy, and federal spending, drawing both support and criticism from constituents and commentators across the political spectrum. His career has placed him at the center of several significant legislative debates in Wisconsin and in Washington, D.C.

Early Life

Scott Lane Fitzgerald was born on November 16, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in a family with ties to Wisconsin politics. His father, Stephen Fitzgerald, also served in the Wisconsin State Senate, establishing a family tradition of public service in the state. Scott Fitzgerald grew up in the Juneau, Wisconsin area, in Dodge County, where he would later build his political base.

Fitzgerald served in the United States Army, including a deployment during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. His military service informed his later political positions on defense and veterans' affairs. After completing his military obligations, Fitzgerald returned to Wisconsin and became involved in local and state politics.

Career

Wisconsin State Senate

Scott Fitzgerald was first elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1994, representing the 13th Senate District, which encompasses portions of southeastern Wisconsin including Dodge County. He would go on to serve in the state senate for more than two decades, becoming one of the longest-serving and most influential Republican legislators in the chamber's modern history.

Fitzgerald rose through the ranks of the Republican caucus and was elected Senate Majority Leader, a position he held during several pivotal moments in Wisconsin politics. As Majority Leader, he played a central role in advancing the legislative agenda of Republican Governor Scott Walker, including the passage of 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, which curtailed collective bargaining rights for most public employees in the state. The legislation drew national attention, massive protests at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and a series of recall elections targeting Republican senators, including Fitzgerald himself. Fitzgerald survived his recall election, consolidating his position as a leading figure in the state's Republican establishment.

During his tenure in the state senate, Fitzgerald was involved in legislation concerning fiscal policy, education reform, and government restructuring. He was known within the chamber for his ability to maintain party discipline and navigate complex legislative negotiations. His leadership style and policy positions made him a frequent subject of political commentary in Wisconsin media.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2020, Fitzgerald ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Wisconsin's 5th congressional district, following the retirement of longtime incumbent Jim Sensenbrenner. He won the Republican primary and subsequently won the general election, transitioning from state to federal office.

Since entering Congress, Fitzgerald has been involved in legislative debates on a range of issues. Among the topics he has addressed are immigration enforcement and its intersection with Wisconsin's agricultural sector. In a February 2026 interview with PBS Wisconsin, Fitzgerald discussed the prospect of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions at farms in Wisconsin, a subject of considerable concern among the state's farming communities, which rely significantly on immigrant labor. The topic reflects broader national debates about immigration policy under the administration of President Donald Trump and its effects on rural economies.

Fitzgerald's voting record and public positions have drawn criticism from some constituents and editorial writers. A February 2026 letter to the editor published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel identified Fitzgerald, alongside U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Representative Bryan Steil, as Wisconsin Republicans who have enabled the policies of President Trump. The letter writer expressed dissatisfaction with their legislative conduct and suggested that voters could address the issue in upcoming elections. Such criticism reflects the polarized political environment in Wisconsin, a perennial swing state where congressional representatives face intense scrutiny from constituents on both sides of the political divide.

In Congress, Fitzgerald has aligned with the Republican majority on matters of federal spending, border security, and government oversight. He has served on committees relevant to his district's interests, reflecting the suburban and rural character of the 5th congressional district in southeastern Wisconsin.

Personal Life

Scott Fitzgerald resides in the Juneau, Wisconsin area. He and his family have long-standing ties to the community and to Dodge County. His father, Stephen Fitzgerald, served in the Wisconsin State Senate before him, making the Fitzgeralds one of few father-son pairs to have served in the state's upper legislative chamber.

Fitzgerald is a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Gulf War. His military background has been a recurring element of his political identity, and he has spoken publicly about veterans' issues during his time in both state and federal office.

Recognition

Fitzgerald's tenure as Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader placed him among the most powerful legislative leaders in the state's recent history. His role in the passage of Act 10 in 2011 made him a nationally recognized figure in Republican politics, with both supporters and detractors viewing the legislation as a watershed moment in labor relations and public-sector governance. His subsequent election to Congress in 2020 affirmed his standing within the Republican Party in Wisconsin.

His career has been the subject of extensive coverage in Wisconsin media outlets, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, PBS Wisconsin, and numerous local newspapers and broadcast stations across the state's 5th congressional district.