Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
Net Worth: $12 Million
Birthdate: June 17, 1943
Birthplace: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Profession: Politician, Author, Historian, Educator, Businessperson, Consultant
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.8288 m)
Nationality: United States of America
Overview
Newt Gingrich is a Republican politician and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives with a net worth of $12 million. His wealth primarily comes from his consulting businesses, book sales, speaking engagements, and media ventures. Gingrich played a pivotal role in the 1994 Republican Revolution and remains an influential figure in conservative politics. Despite his political successes, his career has been marked by ethics violations and controversies.
Early Life and Education
- Born: Newton McPherson on June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- Family Background: Raised by his mother, Kit, after her brief marriage to Newton McPherson Sr. She later married Robert Gingrich, a career Army officer.
- Education:
- Emory University: Earned a BA in history.
- Tulane University: Obtained an MA and PhD in European history.
Political Career
U.S. House of Representatives (1979–1999):
- Election: Elected in 1978 after two failed attempts. Represented Georgia’s 6th district.
- Roles:
- Co-founder of the Military Reform Caucus and Conservative Opportunity Society.
- Became House Minority Whip in 1989.
- Republican Revolution (1994):
- Spearheaded the GOP’s successful “Contract with America” campaign, securing Republican control of the House for the first time in 40 years.
Speaker of the House (1995–1999):
- Oversaw the passage of welfare reform and tax cuts.
- Presided over multiple government shutdowns during budget disputes with President Bill Clinton.
- Aligned the Republican Party closely with Christian conservatism.
- Resigned in 1999 under pressure from GOP colleagues following ethics violations and declining support.
Post-Congressional Career
- Policy Think Tanks: Founded organizations like the Center for Health Transformation and American Solutions for Winning the Future, though both faced financial troubles.
- Media and Consulting: Established Gingrich Productions for media ventures and served as a political consultant and advisor, including for Canadian mining firm Barrick Gold.
- Presidential Campaign (2012):
- Briefly led the Republican race after a victory in South Carolina but suspended his campaign following poor results in later primaries.
Wealth and Financial History
- Reported Wealth:
- 2006: $2.4 million.
- 2011: $6.7 million, including a promissory note valued between $5 and $25 million.
- Income Sources:
- Royalties and speaking fees.
- Consulting fees through for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
- Media production and book sales.
Relationship with Donald Trump
- 2016 Election: Among the first establishment Republicans to endorse Donald Trump.
- Post-Election: Supported Trump’s false claims of election fraud in 2020 and called for punitive actions against poll workers in Pennsylvania.
Personal Life
- Marriages:
- Jacqueline Battley (1962–1980): His former high school teacher; divorced after Gingrich had an affair.
- Marianne Ginther (1981–2000): Divorced after he began another affair, this time with Callista Bisek.
- Callista Bisek (2000–Present): Married shortly after his second divorce.
- Children: Two daughters, Kathy and Jackie, from his first marriage.
Legacy
Newt Gingrich remains a polarizing figure in American politics. While celebrated for his strategic leadership during the Republican Revolution, his career has been shadowed by ethical lapses and controversial personal choices. His influence endures through his writings, media presence, and consulting work.
