What Happened to Harold Watson "Trey" Gowdy III?
Trey Gowdy is a former Republican U.S. Representative from South Carolina who served from 2011 to 2019. After leaving Congress, he transitioned to a career in media and law, becoming a prominent host and contributor for Fox News and rejoining the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. As of mid-2026, he continues his media and legal work, and his name has been floated as a potential interim successor to the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Quick Answer
Trey Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Congressman, currently serves as a host for Fox News, notably on "Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy," and contributes political and legal analysis across the network. He also maintains a legal practice, having rejoined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. Most recently, in July 2026, following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Gowdy's name emerged as a potential candidate to be appointed as an interim senator for South Carolina.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Greenville, South Carolina
Harold Watson 'Trey' Gowdy III was born in Greenville, South Carolina.
Graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law
Gowdy earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney
Gowdy began his career as a federal prosecutor in the District of South Carolina, serving until 2000.
Elected 7th Circuit Solicitor
Gowdy was elected as the solicitor (district attorney) for South Carolina's Seventh Judicial Circuit, serving Spartanburg and Cherokee counties until 2010.
Sworn into U.S. House of Representatives
Gowdy began his first term as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district.
Appointed Chairman of House Select Committee on Benghazi
Gowdy was chosen to lead the committee investigating the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya, a role that brought him national attention.
Chaired House Oversight Committee
Gowdy took over as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, serving until his departure from Congress.
Announced Retirement from Congress
Gowdy stated he would not seek re-election, intending to pursue a legal career outside of politics.
Left U.S. Congress
Gowdy concluded his final term as a U.S. Representative.
Joined Fox News as Contributor and Nelson Mullins Law Firm
Gowdy began providing political and legal analysis for Fox News and rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough.
Became Host of "Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy"
Gowdy expanded his role at Fox News, hosting his own primetime Sunday program.
Served as Guest Host of Fox News Tonight
Gowdy filled in as a guest host for Fox News Tonight following the departure of Tucker Carlson.
Secured Presidential Pardon for Tim Leiweke
Gowdy successfully represented sports executive Tim Leiweke, who received a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Joined Miller Strategies LLC as Of Counsel
Gowdy expanded his legal affiliations by becoming Of Counsel for Miller Strategies LLC.
Name Floated for Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat
Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Trey Gowdy's name was widely discussed as a potential interim appointee to the U.S. Senate for South Carolina.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Trey Gowdy's career has spanned law, politics, and media, marked by a reputation for prosecutorial rigor and conservative principles. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Gowdy built a distinguished legal career before entering national politics. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1994 to 2000, prosecuting a range of federal crimes and earning the Postal Inspector's Award for his work. Subsequently, he was elected as the 7th Circuit Solicitor for Spartanburg and Cherokee counties, a role he held from 2000 to 2010, where he initiated programs like a Violence Against Women Task Force.
Gowdy was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, representing South Carolina's 4th congressional district. During his eight years in Congress (2011-2019), he gained national prominence, particularly as the chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi from 2014 to 2016. This committee's investigation, which lasted over two and a half years and cost $7.8 million, notably uncovered Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. He also chaired the House Oversight Committee from June 2017 until his departure from Congress.
In January 2018, Gowdy announced he would not seek re-election, citing a desire to return to the justice system rather than continue in politics. Upon leaving Congress in January 2019, he rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, focusing on white-collar defense and government investigations. Concurrently, he embarked on a media career, joining Fox News as a contributor in January 2019, providing political and legal analysis. His role at Fox News expanded significantly, and by early 2021, he became the host of "Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy."
His post-congressional legal work has included high-profile cases, such as representing sports executive Tim Leiweke, for whom Gowdy successfully persuaded President Donald Trump to issue a pardon in December 2025. In 2026, Gowdy also became Of Counsel for Miller Strategies LLC. A significant development in July 2026 was the unexpected death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. Following this event, Gowdy's name quickly emerged as a prominent suggestion for Governor Henry McMaster to appoint as an interim replacement to serve out the remainder of Graham's term until a special election. While Gowdy has not publicly commented on the Senate speculation, he honored Senator Graham on his Fox News programs in mid-July 2026. His current status involves continuing his roles at Fox News and his legal practice, while the political landscape in South Carolina considers his potential return to public office.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Harold Watson "Trey" Gowdy III made different choices?