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Chris Garten | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Majority Leader of theIndiana Senate | |
| Assumed office August 17, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Messmer |
| Member of theIndiana Senate from the 45th district | |
| Assumed office November 7, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1982-02-13)February 13, 1982 (age 44) Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Beth |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Indiana University, Southeast |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
Chris Garten is an American politician. Garten was first elected in November 2018 to represent District 45 in theIndiana Senate, and was re-elected for a second term in November 2022. In August 2022, he was appointed Majority Floor Leader. He is a member of theRepublican Party.
Garten was raised inScottsburg, Indiana, and graduated fromScottsburg Senior High School in 2000.[1] He attendedIndiana University Southeast, but his college education was interrupted by his military service. In August 2023, he completed his undergraduate studies and earned his bachelor's degree through Indiana University Southeast's degree reclamation program.[2][3]
Garten served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 14 years with broken time between 2001 and 2021, which included two combat tours in Iraq. He separated from the service as a gunnery sergeant. At various times he held the billet of platoon commander and scout patrol leader.[2]
In 2007, shortly after returning home from his second deployment, Garten founded Signature Countertops, Inc. inJeffersonville, Indiana, and remains the company's owner and president.[4]
Garten was first elected to theIndiana Senate in November 2018.[5] In August 2022, Garten was appointed[6] as Senate Majority Floor Leader by Senate President Pro TemporeRodric Bray, making Garten the state's first ever first-term Majority Floor Leader. He was soon after re-elected for a second term in November 2022. In addition to his leadership position within the Senate Republican caucus, Garten chairs the Senate Committee on Joint Rules, serves as Ranking Member for the Senate Rules & Legislative Procedure Committee, serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and sits on the State Budget Committee. In 2023, he also chaired the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force and Government Reform Task Force. As of April 2024, Garten has authored/sponsored and successfully passed into law over 80 bills.[7]
Garten serves on many boards and is an active member of many organizations. He is a board member for the One Southern Indiana Advocacy Council, Scott County Public Defender Board and Darkhorse Expeditions. He previously served as Vice-President of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce and on the Indiana Builders Association Board. He is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Garten is also an active member of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Builders Association and National Federation of Independent Business.[8]
In 2024, State Affairs and Howey Politics released an "Indiana Power 50" list that named Garten as one of the state's most influential people.[9] In 2023, Garten was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Indiana State Police Alliance[10][11] and recognized for his "Commitment to Excellence" by the Indiana Association of Counties.[12] In 2022, Garten was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Indiana Bankers Association[13] and the Disabled American Veterans.[14] He was also named "Senator of the Year" by Aviation Indiana.[15]
In 2021, the Indiana Builders Association presented Garten with the "John C. Hart Presidential Award"[16] and in 2019, ProKids Central Indiana First Steps named him a distinguished "First Steps Champion." In 2017, One Southern Indiana presented Garten with their "James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year Award"[17] and Garten graduated from the Indiana Leadership Forum.[18] In 2016, Southern Indiana Business Source included Garten in their "20 UNDER 40" list, and in 2015, Garten completed the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course and was selected by his peers to receive the "Highest Award for Achievement." In 2012, the Indiana Southeast Business Development Center recognized him as "Young Entrepreneur of the Year."[19]
| Indiana Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Majority Leader of theIndiana Senate 2022–present | Incumbent |