Major Garrett is an American journalist with a net worth of $8 million, best recognized for his role as the chief Washington correspondent for CBS News. Garrett’s career, which now spans more than three decades, offers a window not only into the corridors of American political power but also into the evolution of journalism with the nation’s shifting political climate. As one of the media’s most persistent voices in Washington, his impact stretches from newsrooms to the halls of Congress.
Major Garrett: Bio Data Snapshot
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Major Elliott Garrett |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | San Diego, California, USA |
| Education | University of Missouri (BJ, BS, Political Science) |
| Occupation | Chief Washington Correspondent, CBS News |
| Current Employer | CBS News |
| Spouse | Lara Brown |
| Previous Spouse | Julie Kirtz (divorced) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. |
| Notable Roles | Fox News, CNN, National Journal, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Times |
| Podcast Host | The Takeout |
| Year Active | 1980s–present |
Foundation Built in The Heartland
The Early Years: San Diego Roots and Academic Ambitions
Major Garrett was born and raised in San Diego, California, on August 24, 1962. He attended James Madison High School before heading to the University of Missouri—a pivotal institution for American journalism—where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science in 1984. As a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he forged relationships and discipline that would shape his professional ethos.
Charting a Course in Journalism: Entry into the Newsroom
From Local Reporting to National Spotlight
Garrett’s professional journey began with local police and general assignment reporting—a traditional starting ground for journalists where covering everything from crime scenes to town council meetings instills a sense of urgency, accuracy, and public accountability. These early years laid the groundwork for his later coverage on a national stage, particularly when his assignments began transitioning from local issues to matters of state and national significance.
Ascending The Ranks: Congressional and White House Coverage
From the Legislative Branch to the White House
Over the past thirty years, Major Garrett has become one of America’s most trusted correspondents covering Congress and the White House. His byline and voice have appeared across premier publications and networks, including:
- U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Times: In the 1990s, Garrett honed his skills covering Congress and deepened his expertise regarding how legislative processes impact the country.
- CNN White House Team: He joined the influential White House press corps at CNN in 2000, just in time to witness a turbulent era marked by the election of George W. Bush and the rise of 24-hour news coverage.
- Fox News (2002–2012): Garrett shifted to Fox News, where he initially served as a general assignment reporter and then rose to senior White House correspondent. Here, he covered major stories including the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections, and the War on Terror. His tenure coincided with some of America’s most contentious and transformative political years.
- National Journal: Before joining CBS, Garrett spent time at the National Journal, deepening his analytical writing and adapting to the rapidly evolving media environment.
CBS News Tenure: Chief Correspondent and Beyond
Stature, Trust, and National Relevance
Major Garrett joined CBS News in November 2012, replacing Norah O’Donnell as chief White House correspondent. Soon after, he was elevated to chief Washington correspondent, where he oversees the network’s political coverage and frequently steps in as a substitute anchor for leading programs such as “CBS Evening News” and “Face the Nation.”
Garrett’s reporting is distinguished by an ability to explain complex legislative maneuvers, expose deep-rooted political trends, and bring clarity to issues like voting procedures and election security—an area he rigorously covered during the contentious 2020 election cycle.
The Takeout: Politics Over Food
A Conversation for the Public
In addition to his broadcast responsibilities, Major Garrett hosts “The Takeout,” a weekly multi-platform interview show in which he converses with politicians, journalists, and culture-makers over meals. The show is notable for pulling public figures beyond typical talking points, providing context and candor on policy, campaigns, and the real-life effects of federal decision-making. In an era when podcasting and long-form interviews have grown into powerful journalistic tools, “The Takeout” stands out for its relaxed format and probing questions.
Reporting Approach and Professional Philosophy
Emphasis on Accuracy, Depth, and Connection
Garrett’s body of work demonstrates several journalistic hallmarks:
- Thorough Reporting: He is known for digging beneath headlines and sound bites to put stories in historical and political context, helping the American public understand not just what is happening, but why.
- Bridge Between Partisan Divides: Covering Washington politics requires both skepticism and open-mindedness. Garrett’s willingness to engage policymakers from across the ideological spectrum has won him respect from politicians and viewers alike.
- Commitment to Transparency: During election cycles, particularly in his coverage of voting procedures and absentee ballots, Garrett has worked to dispel misinformation and clarify processes for the American electorate.
High-Profile Assignments and Historic Moments
Front Row Seat to Modern American History
Major Garrett’s career puts him at the epicenter of America’s most enduring and dramatic political stories, such as:
- The impeachment and trial proceedings of two different presidents.
- Coverage of wars abroad and their ramifications on domestic policy.
- Real-time reporting during national crises and momentous elections.
- Investigative pieces on campaign finance, political maneuvering, and voting integrity.
Leadership in Modern Journalism
The Role of a Senior Correspondent in 2025
In an age of information overload, the credibility of network correspondents proves critical. Garrett’s position at CBS News makes him one of the chief architects of how millions absorb and interpret American political events. This is no small feat, as news audiences demand not just facts, but explanation, analysis, and accountability—traits Garrett delivers in his live reporting, analysis, and interviews.
Personal Life and Influence
Off-Camera: Family and Community
Outside of his professional life, Garrett is married to Lara Brown. He was previously married to Julie Kirtz, and is the father of three children. Though a public figure, Garrett tends to keep his personal life private, focusing his public appearances and platforms squarely on journalism and civic engagement.
His residence in Washington, D.C. keeps him close to the core of national political power—an essential but often demanding location for anyone covering political affairs at the highest level.
Financial Success: A Net Worth That Mirrors a Successful Career
Net Worth Highlights and Industry Comparison
With a net worth of $8 million as of 2025, Major Garrett’s financial standing reflects both the status and longevity of his career. High-ranking correspondents at national networks benefit from competitive salaries, book deals, speaking engagements, and consulting. Compared to peers in similar roles, Garrett’s net worth is a testament to his sustained relevance and the high regard in which he is held by news organizations and audiences alike.
Garrett’s Reputation Among Peers
Respected by Colleagues and Politicians
Across his time in the industry, Garrett has earned a reputation for fairness, intelligence, and thoroughness. Politicians from both sides of the aisle often cite his professionalism, and he has mentored numerous younger journalists in the craft. His presence in the White House briefing room and on Capitol Hill signals trust—not just from viewers, but from newsmakers themselves.
Challenges in a Shifting Media Landscape
Navigating Change in News Consumption and Technology
The journalism field has changed dramatically over the past three decades. As print has given way to digital formats, and as traditional TV is increasingly complemented—and sometimes supplanted—by podcasts and social media, Garrett has managed to adapt without diluting his standards. His embrace of “The Takeout” and multi-platform storytelling illustrates an understanding that, while technology shifts, the need for rigorous, honest journalism endures.
Books, Writing, and Thought Leadership
Author, Analyst, and Storyteller
Beyond daily reporting, Major Garrett has contributed as an author and analyst, writing books and providing thought leadership on the press’s evolving role in American democracy. His experience as a writer for magazines like National Journal and U.S. News & World Report anchors his status as both a sharp observer and skilled communicator.
The Path Forward: Journalism in 2025 and Beyond
Ongoing Relevance in a Divided America
As America faces challenges ranging from political polarization to questions about the role of media in democracy, journalists like Major Garrett will continue to play key roles—both as watchdogs and as bridges between powerful institutions and the public. In 2025, Garrett’s continued presence assures that CBS News maintains not just institutional memory, but also the ability to decode the real story beneath the spectacle.
Conclusion: Major Garrett’s Impact on American Journalism
Thirty-plus years in the field have made Major Garrett synonymous with reliable, incisive political journalism in the United States. His journey—from San Diego beginnings, through the halls of Missouri’s journalism school, up to the press briefings and national broadcasts in Washington—exemplifies not only personal achievement but also the larger values of the Fourth Estate: integrity, accountability, and public service.
In the rapidly changing world of 2025, where news can shift in a moment and narratives are fiercely contested, Garrett’s analysis, reporting, and genuine curiosity offer viewers and readers an anchor. His career and net worth serve not just as milestones of individual accomplishment, but as a reflection of the irreplaceable role that trusted journalism still plays in a healthy democracy.
