Major Garrett Biography: CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, Age, Family, Career, Why He Is Famous & Recent Works

Major Garrett is a titan of American political journalism, currently serving as the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News. Known for his incisive questioning and relentless pursuit of objective truth, he has become a household name by reporting from the front lines of the White House across multiple presidential administrations. This Major Garrett biography explores the life of a man who transitioned from local print reporting to the pinnacle of broadcast journalism, defining what it means to be a reporter in the modern era.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Born in the coastal city of San Diego, California, on August 24, 1962, Major Garrett was raised in a household where current events were a staple of conversation. His father, Major Garrett Sr., owned a chain of body shops, instilling a sense of blue-collar work ethic in his son. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Garrett witnessed the transformative power of the media during the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, which quietly planted the seeds for his future career.

School Years

During his high school years in California, Garrett excelled in English and social studies. He was known among his peers for being a voracious reader and a sharp debater. Unlike many of his contemporaries who were drawn to the entertainment industry of Southern California, Garrett found himself fascinated by the mechanics of power and how information was disseminated to the public. He worked on his school newspaper, refining the foundational skills of research and deadline-driven writing.

University & Training

Major Garrett chose to attend the University of Missouri, home to the world’s first journalism school. This decision was pivotal. He pursued a dual degree, earning a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1984. This rigorous academic background provided him with the unique ability to not just report the news, but to understand the political theories and historical contexts behind legislative decisions. During his time at “Mizzou,” he was immersed in the “Missouri Method,” which emphasizes learning by doing—a philosophy he has carried throughout his four-decade career.

Career Journey

The Print and Local News Foundation

Before becoming a mainstay on national television, Major Garrett paid his dues in the world of print and local news. He began his career as a reporter for the Amarillo Globe-News in Texas, followed by stints at the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Houston Post. These early years were essential for honing his investigative “nose.” He transitioned to the Washington Times, where he served as a congressional reporter and eventually as the deputy national editor.

The CNN and Fox News Eras

Garrett’s leap into national broadcast journalism began at CNN in the late 1990s. As a Senior White House Correspondent, he covered the second term of the Clinton administration and the high-stakes 2000 presidential election.

In 2002, Garrett made a high-profile move to Fox News. Over the next eight years, he became one of the network’s most respected journalists, serving as the Chief White House Correspondent. He was lauded for his ability to remain objective in a polarized media environment, earning the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum. During his tenure at Fox, he covered the entirety of the George W. Bush presidency and the first two years of the Obama administration.

Transition to National Journal and CBS News

In a move that surprised the industry, Garrett left Fox News in 2010 to join the National Journal as a senior writer. This allowed him to return to his long-form writing roots. However, the lure of the cameras returned in 2012 when CBS News tapped him to be their Chief White House Correspondent.

Since joining CBS, Garrett has become a central figure in the network’s political coverage. He has anchored major events, led election night coverage, and transitioned into the role of Chief Washington Correspondent. In this capacity, he oversees a broader range of political reporting, extending beyond the White House to include the Justice Department, Congress, and national security.

Recent Activity and 2026 Outlook

As of 2026, Major Garrett continues to be a primary voice on CBS Mornings and the CBS Evening News. In recent years, he has focused heavily on the integrity of the American electoral system. His reporting during the 2024 election cycle was praised for its focus on factual data and “debunking” misinformation. He also hosts the popular podcast The Takeout, where he interviews political newsmakers over lunch at local Washington D.C. restaurants, providing a more humanized look at the figures who shape American policy.

Career Stats & Bibliography

Net Worth & Earnings

Major Garrett’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $5 million and $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated through several lucrative revenue streams:

• CBS News Salary: As a Chief Washington Correspondent, Garrett commands a high six-figure or low seven-figure annual salary, reflecting his seniority and expertise.
• Book Deals: Garrett has authored several successful books, particularly Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride and The Big Lie, which achieved significant sales and critical acclaim.
• Public Speaking: He is a sought-after speaker for universities, think tanks, and corporate events, where he discusses the state of American politics and media ethics.
• Podcast Revenue: The Takeout has grown into a significant media property for CBS, contributing to his overall professional value.

While Garrett lives comfortably in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, he is not known for ostentatious displays of wealth, often preferring to invest in his craft and his family’s education.

Personal Life

Family Background

Major Garrett is the son of Major Garrett Sr. He has often spoken about his father’s influence on his work ethic. While he keeps much of his extended family life private, he maintains a close connection to his roots in California and Texas.

Marriage & Spouse

Major Garrett is married to Lara Brown, an accomplished academic and political scientist. Dr. Brown has served as the Director of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. Their marriage is often cited as a “intellectual powerhouse” pairing, as both are deeply immersed in the world of American politics from different perspectives—Garrett from the journalistic side and Brown from the academic and strategic side.

Children

Garrett has three children from a previous marriage. He has been vocal about the challenges of balancing a high-pressure career as a White House correspondent—which often requires 24/7 availability—with the responsibilities of fatherhood.

Hobbies & Interests

Outside of the newsroom, Garrett is an avid fan of baseball, a sport he often uses as a metaphor for the “long game” of politics. He is also a connoisseur of American history and enjoys visiting historical landmarks and battlefields. His podcast, The Takeout, reflects his love for the Washington D.C. culinary scene, where he explores local eateries while discussing global issues.

Awards & Achievements

Throughout his career, Major Garrett has been recognized for his commitment to journalistic excellence:

• White House Correspondents’ Association: Recognized multiple times for his rigorous questioning during briefings.
• Emmy Nominations: Several nominations for his contributions to CBS News’ coverage of major national events and election nights.
• National Press Club: Honored for his long-standing service to the field of journalism.
• Best-Seller Status: His 2018 and 2022 books appeared on various non-fiction best-seller lists, cementing his status as a leading political analyst.

Physical Statistics

Major Garrett maintains a professional and fit appearance, necessary for the demanding schedule of a television journalist.

• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Weight: 172 lbs (78 kg)
• Style: Known for his sharp, professional attire, often featuring well-tailored suits and his signature glasses during research-heavy segments.

Quotes

“In journalism, your only currency is your reputation for fairness. Once you spend it, you can never earn it back.” — Interview with University of Missouri, 2019

“Politics isn’t a game of winners and losers; it’s a process of compromise that, when working correctly, moves a nation forward.” — The Takeout Podcast, 2021

“The White House is the most transparent and the most opaque place on earth simultaneously.” — Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride, 2018

Favorites

• Food: Classic American cheeseburgers and high-quality coffee.
• Sport: Baseball (St. Louis Cardinals fan).
• Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• Travel Destination: The California coast.
• Historical Figure: Abraham Lincoln.

Interesting Facts

• Unique Name: “Major” is not a title or a military rank; it is his actual first name, passed down from his father.
• Network Jumper: He is one of the few journalists to have held high-level correspondent roles at CNN, Fox News, and CBS News.
• Early Ambition: He decided he wanted to be a journalist at the age of 12 after reading the morning newspaper every day.
• Podcast Pioneer: He was one of the first major network correspondents to launch a successful, long-form weekly podcast.
• Work Ethic: During the 2016 and 2020 elections, Garrett was known to work 18-hour days for weeks on end.
• Objectivity: Despite working for networks with different perceived biases (Fox and CBS), Garrett has maintained a reputation for being an “equal opportunity” tough interviewer.
• Literary Range: While known for politics, his early writing in Texas included sports and local crime.
• Education Advocate: He frequently returns to the University of Missouri to mentor aspiring journalists.
• Coffee Enthusiast: He is rarely seen in the morning without a cup of black coffee, a necessity for the “morning show” grind.
• Historical Memory: Colleagues often remark on his “encyclopedic” memory of past legislative votes and political scandals.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Major Garrett’s first name is often mistaken for a military rank by viewers who are new to his reporting?
• Did you know he once worked for the Washington Times, a paper known for its conservative leaning, before joining CNN?
• Did you know Garrett has covered every U.S. President since George H.W. Bush in some capacity?
• Did you know he is an avid collector of political memorabilia and vintage newspapers?

Social Media

Major Garrett is active on social media, primarily using his platforms to share breaking news, promote his podcast, and provide “behind the scenes” looks at Washington politics.

• X (Twitter): @MajorCBS
• Instagram: @majorcbs
• Facebook: Major Garrett Official
• LinkedIn: Major Garrett

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Major Garrett?
Major Garrett was born on August 24, 1962. As of 2026, he is 63 years 9 months old years old.

Q2: Is Major Garrett still with CBS News?
Yes, as of 2026, Major Garrett remains the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News, contributing to all their major news platforms.

Q3: What is Major Garrett’s real name?
His legal name is Major Elliott Garrett. “Major” is his given name, not a military rank.

Q4: Who is Major Garrett married to?
He is married to Dr. Lara Brown, a noted political scientist and author.

Q5: What was Major Garrett’s role at Fox News?
He served as the Chief White House Correspondent for Fox News from 2002 to 2010.

CONCLUSION

Major Garrett stands as a beacon of traditional, hard-hitting journalism in an era often defined by hyper-partisanship. From his early days in Texas to his current role as the CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, his career is a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of holding those in power accountable. As he continues his work into 2026 and beyond, Garrett remains a vital source of information for an American public seeking clarity in a complex political landscape. If you found this biography insightful, feel free to share it with fellow news enthusiasts.

Sources:

• CBS News Official Press Room
• The University of Missouri School of Journalism Alumni Records
• The National Journal Archive
• Major Garrett’s Published Works (Simon & Schuster)