Tim Scott Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth & 2026 Political Future

Tim Scott enters 2026 as one of the most influential Republicans in the United States Senate, having transformed from a poor kid in North Charleston to a national political figure with a $5.9 million net worth and a seat at the highest levels of GOP leadership. At 60 years old, the Senate’s only Black Republican has overcome childhood poverty, academic struggles, and decades of bachelorhood to become Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, a newlywed, and a potential future presidential contender. His journey from failing four high school classes to the U.S. Senate represents a testament to conservative principles, mentorship, and personal determination that has made him a standard-bearer for the Republican Party’s message of opportunity and upward mobility.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Timothy Eugene Scott was born on September 19, 1965, in North Charleston, South Carolina, to Frances Scott, a nursing assistant, and Ben Scott Sr., a mechanic. When Tim was seven years old, his parents divorced, leaving Frances to raise Tim and his older brother Ben Jr. alone. The family lived in poverty, moving frequently as Frances worked long hours to keep a roof over their heads.

Scott’s early academic performance was troubled. At Stall High School, he failed four classes his freshman year, and his path forward seemed murky at best. However, a transformative mentorship changed his trajectory. Scott met John Moniz, a Chick-fil-A operator who became his mentor and introduced him to conservative principles of free enterprise and personal responsibility.

“Through their belief and his own determination, Tim got his grades back on track, graduated from Charleston Southern University, and eventually built his own successful small business,” his official Senate biography notes. Scott developed his personal mission statement during this period: “to positively affect the lives of a billion people.”

Scott attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, from 1983 to 1984 on a partial football scholarship, but left after his scholarship funding fell through. He transferred to Charleston Southern University, a Baptist college in North Charleston, where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is also an alumnus of South Carolina’s Palmetto Boys State program, a civic education initiative.

Career Journey

Early Business & Local Politics (1988–2009)

After college, Scott entered the insurance industry and eventually became the owner of Tim Scott Allstate, an insurance agency. His entrepreneurial success provided the foundation for his political career.

Charleston County Council (1995–2008):
Scott’s political career began in 1995 when he was elected to the Charleston County Council, becoming the first African American Republican elected to any office in South Carolina since the late 19th century. He served for 13 years, including as chairman.

South Carolina State House (2009–2010):
In 2008, Scott won election to the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 117. During his single term, he notably joined the Women’s Caucus, citing his background as “the product of a powerful single mother.”

U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2013)

In 2010, Scott ran for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in the Tea Party wave election. Backed by sarah palin, Kevin McCarthy, Eric Cantor, and the Club for Growth, he defeated Strom Thurmond’s son in the Republican primary and became the first Black Republican elected to Congress from South Carolina since 1897.

Scott served in the House from January 3, 2011, until January 2, 2013, when he resigned to accept an appointment to the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Senate Career (2013–present)

Historic Appointment & Elections:
On December 17, 2012, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley appointed Scott to fill the Senate vacancy caused by Jim DeMint’s resignation. Scott took office on January 3, 2013, becoming the first African American U.S. Senator from South Carolina and the first Black Republican in the Senate since 1979.

He won a special election in 2014 to complete the remainder of DeMint’s term, then won full six-year terms in 2016 and 2022. He is currently serving a term that extends until January 3, 2029.

Legislative Achievements:

• Opportunity Zones: Scott’s signature legislation, creating tax incentives for investment in economically distressed communities, was included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The program has attracted billions in private investment.
• Workforce Development: Led efforts to address the skills gap and expand apprenticeship programs.
• Education: Championed school choice and educational opportunity initiatives.
• Police Reform: Authored the JUSTICE Act in 2020, a Republican alternative to Democratic police reform proposals.

Committee Leadership:

• Chairman, Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee (2025–present): Oversees banking regulation, housing policy, and urban development
• Chairman, National Republican Senatorial Committee (2025–present): Responsible for electing Republicans to the Senate
• Senate Finance Committee
• Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
• Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

2024 Presidential Campaign

Scott launched his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on May 22, 2023, in North Charleston. Running on a message of “optimism and hope,” he positioned himself as an alternative to donald trump and a unifying figure for the party.

Campaign Highlights:

• Started with $22 million carried over from his 2022 Senate campaign
• Trust in the Mission (TIM) PAC spent millions on advertising in Iowa and New Hampshire
• Focused heavily on Iowa, going “all-in” on the first caucus state

Suspension:
On November 12, 2023, Scott suspended his campaign during an interview on Fox News. “The voters… have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim,'” he explained. “I don’t think they’re saying, ‘No.’ But I do think they’re saying, ‘Not now.'”

He subsequently endorsed Donald Trump for president.

Post-Campaign & 2026 Status

Following his presidential bid, Scott was considered a potential vice presidential nominee for Trump in 2024, though the position ultimately went to J.D. Vance. Instead, Scott focused on his Senate duties and personal life, marrying Mindy Noce in August 2024.

As of 2026, Scott serves in dual leadership roles as Banking Committee Chairman and NRSC Chairman, positioning him as a key figure in shaping Republican financial policy and Senate election strategy.

Personal Life

Marriage to Mindy Noce

Scott’s marital status was a subject of intense speculation throughout his political career. A self-described “proud 30-year-old virgin” in the 1990s, Scott remained single and rarely discussed relationships until 2023.

Relationship Timeline:

• Late 2022: Set up with Mindy Noce, a 47-year-old interior designer and divorced mother of three, through a mutual friend at Seacoast Church
• May 2023: Publicly disclosed he was in a relationship during an Axios event, though he didn’t name Noce
• November 2023: Made first public appearance together at the third GOP presidential debate in Miami
• January 20, 2024: Proposed to Noce at sunset on Kiawah Island, South Carolina
• August 3, 2024: Married at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, with 150 guests including lindsey graham, Kevin McCarthy, and trey gowdy

The wedding marked the first marriage of a sitting U.S. Senator from South Carolina in over 50 years. Former President Trump congratulated the couple on Truth Social: “Congratulations to my longtime friend, Senator Tim Scott, and his beautiful bride, Mindy Noce… You have a GREAT future.”

Mindy Noce Background:

• Interior designer and renovations consultant for Atlantic Properties of the Lowcountry
• Graduate of College of Charleston (Health Science major)
• Mother of three children from previous marriage
• 18-year resident of Charleston area
• Shares Scott’s Christian faith and love of pickleball

Faith & Values

Scott’s Christian faith is central to his identity and political philosophy. A member of Seacoast Church, a nondenominational megachurch in Mount Pleasant, he has described the church as “the most powerful force in my adult life.” He regularly references Scripture in speeches and policy positions, and his courtship with Noce began with a Bible study.

Family Background

Scott’s mother Frances worked 16-hour days as a nursing assistant to support her sons. His grandfather left school in the third grade to pick cotton and never learned to read or write. Scott frequently cites his family’s struggles as motivation for his policy work on education and economic opportunity.

His brother Ben Scott Jr. served as best man at his wedding.

Controversies

Strom Thurmond Campaign (1996)

Early in his career, Scott served as a state co-chair for Strom Thurmond’s final Senate campaign in 1996. Thurmond, a former segregationist, had evolved on race issues by that time. Scott defended his involvement: “People change their minds. They embrace truth. In the end he received around 30 percent of the Black vote. I’d like to get there. If Strom Thurmond could get 30 percent of the Black vote, any Republican can.”

1996 State Senate Loss

Running for the South Carolina State Senate in 1996, Scott advocated for removing the Confederate battle flag from the state Capitol and received the endorsement of Charleston’s Democratic mayor. Despite these positions, he lost by 30 points to Robert Ford, a civil rights activist who had worked for Martin Luther King Jr. and been arrested 73 times during the movement.

Congressional Black Caucus Snub

After his election to Congress in 2010, Scott declined to join the Congressional Black Caucus, stating “My campaign was never about race.” The decision drew criticism from some African American leaders who felt he was distancing himself from the Black community.

Presidential Campaign “Girlfriend” Skepticism

When Scott alluded to a girlfriend during his 2023 presidential campaign but refused to name her, some critics suggested he had invented a relationship for political purposes. The Washington Post reported that “even some of Scott’s oldest friends were unaware that he was finally in a relationship.” The subsequent public debut of Noce and their marriage largely quelled these rumors.

Engagement Timing Questions

Scott’s engagement in January 2024, immediately following his Trump endorsement and before the Republican National Convention, led to speculation that he was trying to position himself as a viable vice presidential pick by resolving his “bachelor problem.” The couple married in August 2024, after Trump had selected J.D. Vance, but Scott maintained the timing was personal, not political.

Awards & Achievements

• First Black Republican U.S. Senator from the South since Reconstruction (2013–present)
• First African American elected to both houses of Congress from South Carolina
• Opportunity Zones Legislation: Architect of the program bringing billions in investment to distressed communities
• National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman (2025–present)
• Senate Banking Committee Chairman (2025–present)
• Palmetto Boys State Alumnus
• Multiple “Most Conservative” ratings from conservative advocacy groups

Physical Statistics

Scott maintains his physical fitness through regular pickleball games and golf, activities he enjoys with his wife Mindy.

Quotes

“My mission statement is to positively affect the lives of a billion people.”

“I’ve been praying Proverbs 18:22 ‘that he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord’ for 30 years.”

“Like everybody else, I think we pretty selfishly want what we want. I think marriage helps you understand that maybe it’s not the only mission on the planet to get what you want, but it is to help others enjoy the journey of life.”

“The voters… have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim.’ I don’t think they’re saying, ‘No.’ But I do think they’re saying, ‘Not now.'”

“If Strom Thurmond could get 30 percent of the Black vote, any Republican can.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

As of February 2026, Tim Scott’s estimated net worth is $5.9 million, according to Quiver Quantitative analysis of his financial disclosures. This places him 158th in net worth among members of Congress.

Income Sources:

• Senate Salary: $174,000 annually
• Investment Income: Approximately $1.7 million in publicly traded assets tracked by Quiver Quantitative
• Book Deals: Advances and royalties from published works
• Real Estate: Property investments in South Carolina

Financial Disclosure Highlights (2026):

• Cash on Hand: $5.0 million (campaign/political accounts)
• Q4 2025 Fundraising: $960,300 disclosed
• Q4 2025 Spending: $1.4 million
• Publicly Traded Assets: ~$1.7 million

Wealth Trajectory:
Scott’s net worth has grown significantly since his early days in poverty, built through his insurance business, congressional salary, and investment returns. His financial philosophy reflects his conservative values: fiscal responsibility, diversified investments, and real estate holdings.

Interesting Facts

1. First Since Reconstruction: First Black Republican U.S. Senator from the South since the 1880s
2. 30-Year Prayer: Prayed for a wife for three decades before meeting Mindy Noce
3. Failed Freshman: Failed four classes in high school before turning his life around
4. Chick-fil-A Mentor: His life was transformed by mentorship from Chick-fil-A operator John Moniz
5. Bachelor Senator: One of few never-married senators in modern history until age 58
6. Pickleball Enthusiast: Plays regularly and used pickleball as a first date activity with Noce
7. Seacoast Church: Has attended the same megachurch for over 25 years
8. Virginia Union: Great-grandfather attended what is now Virginia Union University
9. Football Scholarship: Briefly attended Presbyterian College on a partial football scholarship
10. Wedding First: First sitting South Carolina senator to marry in office in over 50 years

Did You Know?

• Scott’s grandfather left school in the third grade to pick cotton and never learned to read
• He worked as an insurance agent and owned his own Allstate agency before politics
• Scott was the first Black Republican elected to Congress from South Carolina since 1897
• He declined to join the Congressional Black Caucus, citing that his campaign “was never about race”
• Scott’s Opportunity Zones program was included in President Trump’s 2017 tax reform package
• He proposed to Mindy Noce on the same weekend he endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2024
• Scott’s wedding included readings from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (“Two are better than one”)
• He has never lost an election since his 1996 State Senate defeat

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @SenatorTimScott
• Instagram: @senatortimscott
• Facebook: SenatorTimScott
• YouTube: Senator Tim Scott
• Official Senate Website: scott.senate.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Tim Scott?
Tim Scott was born on September 19, 1965, making him 60 years old as of 2026.

Who is Tim Scott’s wife?
Tim Scott married Mindy Noce on August 3, 2024. Noce is a 47-year-old interior designer from Charleston, South Carolina, and a divorced mother of three.

What is Tim Scott’s net worth?
Tim Scott’s estimated net worth is $5.9 million as of February 2026, according to Quiver Quantitative analysis of his financial disclosures.

Is Tim Scott running for president in 2028?
As of 2026, Tim Scott has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign. He suspended his 2024 bid in November 2023 and has focused on his Senate duties and committee chairmanships. However, his leadership positions and national profile position him as a potential future contender.

What committees does Tim Scott chair?
As of 2025–2026, Tim Scott serves as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee and Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

What is Opportunity Zones legislation?
Opportunity Zones is Tim Scott’s signature legislative achievement, included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The program provides tax incentives for private investment in economically distressed communities, aiming to spur development and job creation in underserved areas.

Did Tim Scott vote for Trump in 2024?
Yes, Tim Scott endorsed Donald Trump for president in January 2024 after suspending his own campaign, and actively campaigned for Trump’s reelection.

How did Tim Scott meet his wife?
Tim Scott met Mindy Noce in late 2022 through a mutual friend at Seacoast Church. Their first date involved playing pickleball, and they began doing Bible study together shortly after meeting.

Conclusion

Tim Scott’s journey from a failing high school freshman in North Charleston to Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee embodies the American Dream narrative that has defined his political career. His 2024 marriage to Mindy Noce resolved decades of speculation about his personal life, while his dual committee chairmanships position him as a central figure in shaping Republican policy and Senate elections through 2026.

Whether Scott ultimately seeks the presidency again or continues building influence in the Senate, his story of overcoming poverty through mentorship, faith, and conservative principles has made him a powerful symbol for the Republican Party. At 60, with a new wife, expanded leadership responsibilities, and a growing national profile, Tim Scott’s political future remains one of the most intriguing questions in American politics.

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