Biography
Representative Tom Barrett, a Republican, serves Michigan's 7th Congressional District, encompassing all of Ingham, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Livingston Counties, most of Eaton County, and parts of Oakland and Genesee Counties. Born on April 30, 1981, in Southfield, Michigan, Barrett grew up in a family where his father worked two jobs and his mother stayed home to raise him and his six siblings. After high school, he joined the United States Army, serving for 22 years in various locations, including Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone. During his military career, he logged over 1,000 hours flying advanced helicopters and earned numerous awards and distinctions. Barrett resides in Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Ashley, and their four children: Patrick, Eleanora, Gwendolyn, and Louis.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Michigan University, graduated with honors in 2007.
Political Experience
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Michigan House of Representatives : Elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016, representing the 71st District.
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Michigan State Senate : Elected in 2018, representing the 24th District.
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U.S. House of Representatives : Elected in 2024 to represent Michigan's 7th Congressional District.
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Veteran Advocacy: As the only Iraq War veteran in the Michigan Senate, Barrett was a leading voice for veterans. He played a pivotal role in investigating concerns at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, leading to significant reforms and the construction of new facilities for Michigan's veterans.
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Fiscal Conservatism: Known as a fiscal hawk, Barrett opposed taxpayer-funded corporate welfare and advocated for tax cuts for all Michiganders.
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Election Integrity: Sponsored legislation requiring individuals to show a photo ID before casting their ballot, though it was vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
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Pro-Life Advocacy: Recognized for his strong pro-life stance, receiving the "Award for Conservative Excellence" from the American Conservative Union as both a State Representative and a State Senator.
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Committee Assignments: In the U.S. House, Barrett serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, chairing the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.
Barrett's dedication to service, both military and public, underscores his commitment to the values of hard work, freedom, and opportunity for all.
