Scott Fitzgerald is a Republican representative serving Wisconsin's 5th congressional district, having been elected to the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress on January 3, 2021. Born on November 16, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, Fitzgerald graduated from Hustisford High School in Hustisford, Wisconsin, in 1981. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, in 1985. A veteran of the United States Army Reserve, he served from 1981 to 2009. Prior to his current role, Fitzgerald was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1995 to 2020, where he also held the position of majority leader multiple times, notably from 2004 to 2020.
Fitzgerald’s legislative interests are reflected through his membership on the Financial Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and various subcommittees, including the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee, as well as the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee. These positions indicate his focus on finance, law, and national security issues within his congressional duties.
Throughout his tenure, Fitzgerald has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills that align with his political agenda. Notable among these is the Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023 (HB449), which emphasizes transparency in the Small Business Administration's microloan programs with an aim to promote financial support for small businesses, particularly in rural areas. This act seeks to enforce reporting standards that analyze the effectiveness of microloans, which is critical for both economic development in underserved regions and informed policymaking.
Another significant measure sponsored by Fitzgerald is the Making the CFPB Accountable to Small Businesses Act of 2025 (HB1606), which aims to reform the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to enhance its accountability and ensure that small businesses receive protections that support their growth and financial accessibility in the marketplace.
Fitzgerald is also a fervent advocate for law enforcement, as shown in his sponsorship of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act of 2025 (HB2189), which focuses on advancing innovative strategies to improve de-escalation efforts within law enforcement agencies.
Politically, Fitzgerald's voting record and legislative efforts suggest a strong inclination towards policies that bolster businesses, emphasize law and order, and promote financial accountability. His co-sponsorship of bills such as the Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2025 (HB1605) reflects his commitment to redefining the scope of government regulations and restoring balance within the powers of the federal government. Furthermore, his backing of initiatives that address crime, such as the enhancement of penalties for evading law enforcement, signifies a consistent focus on public safety and national security.
Outside of his legislative responsibilities, Fitzgerald is involved in various business endeavors, having previously owned and operated a newspaper, which adds to his practical insights into the media's role within society.
Fitzgerald is married and has children, aligning him with family-centered policies and initiatives within his political framework. His experiences as a military veteran and small business owner contribute to his perceived reliability on issues surrounding service members and economic entrepreneurship.
Overall, Scott Fitzgerald exemplifies a conservative approach to governance that seeks to foster economic growth through financial aids to small businesses, promote accountability in federal agencies, and maintain strong law enforcement measures aimed at ensuring community safety.