Childhood and Education Journey of Trey Gowdy in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Trey Gowdy, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Trey Gowdy is an American television news presenter, former politician, and former federal prosecutor. He served as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district from 2011 to 2019, representing the Upstate region, including Greenville and Spartanburg. Before entering politics, Gowdy worked as a prosecutor.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

August 22, 1964: Birth of Trey Gowdy

On August 22, 1964, Harold Watson "Trey" Gowdy III was born. He would later become a U.S. Representative for South Carolina.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Graduation from Spartanburg High School

In 1982, Trey Gowdy graduated from Spartanburg High School.

1986: Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baylor University

In 1986, Trey Gowdy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Baylor University, where he was a member of Kappa Omega Tau.

1989: Graduated Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law

In 1989, Trey Gowdy graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

February 2000: Left United States Attorney's Office to run for 7th Circuit solicitor

In February 2000, Trey Gowdy left the United States Attorney's Office to run for 7th Circuit solicitor. He defeated the incumbent in the Republican primary and ran unopposed in the general election.

2004: Re-elected as 7th Circuit Solicitor

In 2004, Trey Gowdy was re-elected as the 7th Circuit Solicitor, running unopposed.

2008: Re-elected as 7th Circuit Solicitor

In 2008, Trey Gowdy was re-elected as the 7th Circuit Solicitor, running unopposed.

2009: Announced challenge to incumbent Congressman Bob Inglis

In the summer of 2009, Trey Gowdy announced that he would challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Bob Inglis in the Republican primary for South Carolina's 4th congressional district.

June 2010: Ranked first in primary for South Carolina's 4th congressional district

In June 2010, Trey Gowdy ranked first in the Republican primary for South Carolina's 4th congressional district with 39% of the vote, but failed to reach the 50% majority threshold to win outright.

December 2010: Stated support for measures contingent on constitutional power

In December 2010, Trey Gowdy told Congressional Quarterly that he would only support a measure if its sponsor could demonstrate that the Constitution gave the government the power to act in a particular realm.

2010: Redistricting and re-election campaign

In 2010, during redistricting following the census, a proposed map saw portions of Gowdy's home county cut out of the district. Gowdy ran for re-election against Democrat Deb Morrow.

August 2011: Opposed debt limit bill and debt ceiling agreement

In August 2011, during the 2011 United States debt ceiling crisis, Trey Gowdy opposed Speaker John Boehner's debt limit bill and voted against the final debt ceiling agreement.