Scott DesJarlais

On July 15, 1993, Scott DesJarlais married Susan, marking the beginning of his first marriage. This personal milestone would later become public interest due to the contentious and highly publicized divorce proceedings that followed, revealing significant controversies during his time as a medical professional.

Scott DesJarlais earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in May 2000, before he began his career as a physician. This educational accomplishment laid the groundwork for his subsequent professional endeavors, which eventually led him to a career in politics, where he would later serve as a U.S. Congressman.

Scott DesJarlais was first elected to the United States House of Representatives on November 2, 2010, after defeating Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis. His election marked a significant political turnover in Tennessee, as DesJarlais positioned himself as a conservative Republican championing limited government and fiscal responsibility.

In October 2012, Scott DesJarlais, a Tennessee Republican Congressman, faced intense scrutiny after court documents from his 2001 divorce were unsealed revealing he had engaged in multiple extramarital affairs and pressured a mistress to have an abortion. These revelations came during his re-election campaign, sparking controversy and public outcry.

After explosive revelations from his divorce records, Scott DesJarlais faced the electorate and was re-elected on November 6, 2012. The election tested his ability to withstand scandal and maintain voter support in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District, reflecting the complexities of voter priorities and forgiveness in political accountability.

The House Ethics Committee decided on June 5, 2014, to dismiss an investigation into allegations against Scott DesJarlais related to misconduct during his career as a doctor. The committee's decision ended a chapter of speculation surrounding the allegations, allowing DesJarlais to continue his congressional career without further legal hurdles.

Despite numerous controversies, including the scandal from his divorce records, Scott DesJarlais was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2014. He faced criticism within and outside his party but managed to retain support from his constituents, overcoming challenges regarding his ethical conduct and personal history.

On August 4, 2016, Congressman Scott DesJarlais narrowly defeated Grant Starrett in the Republican primary for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District. The primary had attracted significant attention due to DesJarlais' controversial past and Starrett's well-funded campaign. The victory showcased DesJarlais' resiliency despite ongoing criticisms.

On November 6, 2018, Scott DesJarlais was re-elected to his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. His victory demonstrated persistent electoral support despite his past controversies, as he continued to advocate for conservative policies in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District, emphasizing issues like healthcare reform and veterans' affairs.

On August 6, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott DesJarlais won the Republican primary for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District. Despite facing multiple challengers, DesJarlais secured his place in the general election, proving again his ability to retain political influence and support from his constituents even during challenging times.