Major Garrett: CBS News, Real Name, Military Service, Ex- Wife, and Children
Major Garrett | Biography & Wiki
Major Garrett is an accomplished American journalist currently serving as the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News. Appointed to the role in December 2018, he delivers in-depth political reporting across all CBS News platforms, including CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, and CBS News Streaming Network. In addition to his duties at CBS, Garrett is the host of The Takeout, a weekly political interview show that blends politics, policy, and pop culture. The program is available on CBS News, national radio affiliates, and all major podcast platforms.
How Old is Major Garrett? | Age and Birthday
As of 2025, Major Garrett is 62 years old. He was born on August 24, 1962, in San Diego, California. He celebrates his birthday every year on August 24.
Education
Garrett graduated from James Madison High School before attending the University of Missouri, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Major Garrett holds American nationality. He was born and raised in San Diego, California, and is of white ethnic background.
Height | How Tall is Major Garrett?
He stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.83 meters) tall. While his exact body measurements are not publicly disclosed, he is generally considered to have an average build.
Family Background | Parents and Early Life
He was raised in San Diego, California. Though he has maintained privacy regarding his family life, including the identities of his parents and possible siblings, he often reflects on his upbringing as a key influence in his career.
Is Major Garrett Married? | Wife and Relationships
Garrett was first married to Julie Kirtz, a journalist for Fox News. The couple married in 1990 and share three children, although further details about their family have remained private. Later, in 2016, Major Garrett married Dr. Lara Brown, a respected political scientist and the former director of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University from 2016 to 2022. The couple resides in Washington, D.C.
Major Garrett Children | Kids
Garrett and his ex-wife Julie Kirtz share three children. Garrett has kept his children’s identities and personal lives out of the public spotlight, respecting their privacy. As of now, no specific information about their names or occupations has been disclosed.
Major Garrett Ex-Wife
He was previously married to his ex- wife, Julie Kirtz, a journalist who has worked with Fox News. The couple married in 1990, and while they largely kept their relationship private, they were known as a journalism power couple during their marriage. The details surrounding their separation have not been made public.
Major Garrett Military Service | Did He Serve in the Military?
Despite his first name sounding like a military title, Major Garrett has never served in the military. His career path has been firmly rooted in journalism. After graduating with a degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri, he began working in newspapers before moving into national television reporting.
Major Garrett Real Name
His real and full name is Major Elliott Garrett. “Major” is indeed his given first name—not a military rank or nickname, as is sometimes assumed. His distinctive name has often sparked curiosity among viewers and readers.
The Takeout Podcast
His podcast, The Takeout, is a unique blend of politics and pop culture. Featuring interviews with political figures, journalists, authors, and entertainers, the show explores the human side of policy and public life. It has garnered a wide audience across radio, streaming, and podcast platforms.
Major Garrett Political Party
Garrett is a journalist and has not publicly affiliated himself with any political party. As a respected political correspondent, particularly in his roles at CBS News, Fox News, and National Journal, Garrett is known for maintaining journalistic impartiality.
Career at CBS News
He joined CBS News as Chief White House Correspondent and has since reported on major national and international stories. In December 2018, he was named Chief Washington Correspondent. His insightful coverage spans the Capitol, the White House, and major political events, contributing to CBS’s flagship programs.
Before joining CBS, he served as Chief White House Correspondent for National Journal and spent eight years at Fox News Channel as a senior White House correspondent and congressional reporter. He began his journalism career writing for publications such as The Houston Post, Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Amarillo Globe-News. His work has also been featured in Mother Jones, Washington Monthly, and The Weekly Standard.
He previously reported for CNN and U.S. News & World Report, covering Congress and national politics. At Fox News, Garrett covered pivotal events including the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections, terrorist attacks, and U.S. military conflicts overseas.
Salary | How Much Does Major Garrett Earn?
As the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News, he earns an estimated annual salary of $250,000 as of 2025.
Net Worth
With a journalism career spanning over three decades, he has accumulated a considerable net worth. His estimated net worth is approximately $5 million as of 2025, earned through his work in print, television, and digital media.
