Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Harold Watson “Trey” Gowdy III |
| Born | August 22, 1964, Greenville, South Carolina |
| Age | 61 years old (2026) |
| Education | Baylor University (B.A. History, 1986), University of South Carolina School of Law |
| Career | Federal prosecutor, U.S. Congressman, Fox News host, attorney, author |
| Years in Congress | 2011–2019 (South Carolina’s 4th District) |
| Current Role | Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough (law firm), Fox News contributor |
| Wife | Terri Gowdy (married since the 1990s) |
| Children | Two |
| Net Worth | $2 million – $6 million (estimates vary widely, unconfirmed) |
Who Is Trey Gowdy?
Harold Watson “Trey” Gowdy III is an American attorney, former federal prosecutor, former U.S. Congressman, and current television commentator. Born on August 22, 1964, in Greenville, South Carolina, Gowdy built a career defined by sharp, disciplined questioning — first in the courtroom, then in Congress, and now on television.
He is best known nationally for chairing the House Select Committee on Benghazi from 2014 to 2016, an investigation that became one of the most closely watched congressional inquiries of the decade. His precise, prosecutorial style of questioning during hearings made him a recognizable figure well beyond South Carolina politics.
Early Life and Education
Trey Gowdy was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to Novalene (Evans) and Dr. Harold Watson “Hal” Gowdy Jr. He was raised in nearby Spartanburg, where he worked part-time jobs as a teenager, including delivering newspapers for the local daily and working at the community market.
He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1982 and went on to Baylor University in Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1986. He then completed his legal education at the University of South Carolina School of Law, setting the foundation for a career built on legal precision and courtroom discipline.
Career Timeline: From Prosecutor to Television Host
Federal Prosecutor (1994–2000)
Gowdy began his legal career as a judicial law clerk before being appointed an assistant United States Attorney in April 1994. He spent several years as a federal prosecutor in the District of South Carolina, where he gained recognition for his courtroom discipline — including the successful prosecution of J. Mark Allen, a case that earned him the Postal Inspector’s Award. His work during this period was significant enough to be featured across four episodes of the television series Forensic Files.
Solicitor, 7th Judicial Circuit (2000–2010)
In 2000, Gowdy left the U.S. Attorney’s Office to run for solicitor — the South Carolina equivalent of district attorney — for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, covering Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. He won the position and was re-elected twice, in 2004 and 2008, both times unopposed.
U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2019)
In 2010, Gowdy challenged incumbent Bob Inglis in the Republican primary for South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, defeating him in a runoff election. He went on to serve four terms in Congress, from January 2011 until January 2019.
His most prominent role in Congress was chairing the House Select Committee on Benghazi (2014–2016), an investigation that, among its findings, helped reveal the existence of Hillary Clinton’s private email server — a development that had significant political ramifications during the 2016 presidential election.
On January 31, 2018, Gowdy announced he would not seek re-election, stating his intention to return to the legal profession.
Post-Congress: Law and Media (2019–Present)
After leaving Congress, Gowdy rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, one of South Carolina’s largest law firms, focusing on litigation and white-collar criminal defense. Simultaneously, he joined Fox News as a contributor.
His media role grew over time. In early 2021, he served as an interim host of Fox News Primetime, before being named host of his own program, Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy, which debuted later that year. In May 2023, he served as a guest host of Fox News Tonight following Tucker Carlson’s departure from the network.
Gowdy has also written, including his bestselling book Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, which reached the New York Times bestseller list.
Trey Gowdy’s Net Worth in 2026
Trey Gowdy’s net worth is not officially confirmed, and publicly available estimates vary significantly — ranging anywhere from $2 million to $6 million depending on the source. This wide range reflects the fact that, unlike business executives or entertainers, politicians and prosecutors rarely disclose exact earnings, and most figures online are estimates rather than verified data.
What is clear is that Gowdy’s wealth was built gradually across several income streams rather than through a single business venture or windfall:
Government salary (1994–2019): As a federal prosecutor, solicitor, and later congressman, Gowdy earned steady but not extravagant government salaries for roughly 25 years. Congressional pay during his tenure was in the range of $174,000 annually, with additional benefits and pension eligibility.
Private legal practice: Since rejoining Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Gowdy has earned income from litigation and legal consulting. Senior attorneys at major firms typically earn considerably more than government salaries, though Nelson Mullins has not disclosed his specific compensation.
Fox News contracts: Gowdy’s role at Fox News, including hosting Sunday Night in America, represents a significant and largely undisclosed income stream. Television hosting contracts at major networks can range widely, and while some reports suggest more modest figures (in the tens of thousands annually for early contributor work), his current hosting role likely commands a considerably higher rate.
Book royalties: Doesn’t Hurt to Ask became a New York Times bestseller, adding a further, though likely modest in comparison, revenue stream.
It’s worth noting publicly: Gowdy has described living modestly throughout his career, telling The Greenville News in 2017 that he had lived in the same house since before running for solicitor and intended to continue doing so — a detail that reinforces his reputation as a relatively low-key, non-extravagant public figure despite his national profile.
Personal Life: Is Trey Gowdy Still Married?
Yes. Trey Gowdy is married to Terri Gowdy, and the couple has two children together. Terri has consistently maintained a private, low public profile, rarely appearing in interviews or media coverage despite her husband’s national prominence. The couple has been married since the 1990s and has built their family life largely outside of the political spotlight that has followed Trey’s career.
What Is Trey Gowdy Doing Now?
As of 2026, Trey Gowdy continues to balance two professional tracks: legal work at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough and his media career at Fox News. He has not returned to elected office and has given no public indication of plans to do so. His national profile remains tied primarily to legal and political commentary rather than active campaigning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trey Gowdy’s net worth?
Trey Gowdy’s net worth is not officially confirmed, with public estimates ranging between $2 million and $6 million, built through decades in law, public service, and media.
How old is Trey Gowdy?
Trey Gowdy was born on August 22, 1964, making him 61 years old as of 2026.
Is Trey Gowdy still married? Yes, Trey Gowdy is married to his wife, Terri Gowdy, and the couple has two children together.
What does Trey Gowdy do now?
Trey Gowdy practices law at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough and works as a Fox News contributor and host of Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy.
Why did Trey Gowdy leave Congress?
Gowdy announced in January 2018 that he would not seek re-election, stating his intention to return to the justice system and legal practice rather than continue in elected politics.
What was Trey Gowdy’s role in the Benghazi investigation?
Gowdy chaired the House Select Committee on Benghazi from 2014 to 2016, an investigation that was notably responsible for revealing the existence of Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
Who replaced Trey Gowdy in Congress?
William Timmons, a Republican state legislator, won the seat representing South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District after Gowdy’s departure.
Summary
Trey Gowdy’s financial story is less about a single fortune and more about a long, steady career spanning law, public service, and media. From federal prosecutor to congressman to Fox News host, his wealth reflects decades of consistent, well-compensated professional work rather than business ventures or inherited assets — a trajectory that mirrors the disciplined, methodical reputation he built in courtrooms and congressional hearings alike.
