Senator Eric S. Schmitt was born and raised in St. Louis County.  He graduated from DeSmet Jesuit High School, and went on to receive his B.A. cum laude from Truman State University. While at Truman, Sen. Schmitt was a two sport athlete (baseball, football), and founded a Habitat for Humanity Chapter on campus. He earned a scholarship to attend law school at Saint Louis University where he received his J.D., was an Editor of the Law Review, and a published author.

In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Schmitt is also a partner at the law firm of Lathrop & Gage, LLP.  Sen. Schmitt has served on Boards for DeSmet Jesuit High School, Nurses for Newborns Foundation, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, and Kirkwood Parents as Teachers Program. Sen. Schmitt served as chairman of the Young Lawyer Section Council of the Missouri Bar and spearheaded a statewide Giving Tree effort benefiting Big Brothers-Big Sisters and created a Special Needs Advocacy Task Force.  He has also been involved with the TS (Tuberous Sclerosis) Alliance, the Gateway Chapter of the Autism Society, Habitat for Humanity and local Chambers of Commerce.

Sen. Schmitt served as a Glendale, Missouri Alderman from 2005-08 and was elected to the Missouri Senate on November 4, 2008 to represent the 15th District in St. Louis County.  He was re-elected in 2012. His current district includes a large portion on central, southwest and west St. Louis County, including all or parts of Ballwin, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Des Peres, Ellisville, Fenton, Glendale, Kirkwood, Manchester, Sunset Hills, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winchester and unincorporated St. Louis County.

Sen. Schmitt's legislative priorities include growing our economy with quality jobs; making health care more available, affordable, and portable; and keeping a watchful eye on the issue of property taxes. He is also committed to quality educational opportunities for all Missourians and serving as an advocate for children and adults with special needs and their families. 

Sen. Schmitt serves in Senate Leadership as Majority Caucus Chairman and is Chairman of the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee. He also serves on the Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments; the Committee on Judicial, Civil, and Criminal Jurisprudence; Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee; and Chairs the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

Sen. Eric Schmitt is a lifelong resident of St. Louis County. He lives in Glendale with his wife, Jaime, and their three children, Stephen, Sophia and Olivia.

 During his time in office, Sen. Schmitt has been honored to receive the following recognitions:

  • American Conservative Union Defender of Liberty Award, 2014
  • Americans for Prosperity Defender of Prosperity Award, 2013
  • Associated Industries of Missouri Friend of Manufacturing & Industry Award, 2010, 2011
  • Autism Society of America, Gateway Chapter, Legislative Award, 2009
  • Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate Award, 2014
  • Fair Energy Rate Action Fund Friend of Ratepayers Award, 2012
  • Missouri Judicial Conference Award, 2009-13
  • Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services Presidents  Award, 2010
  • Missouri Association of School Administrators Friend of Education Award, 2013
  • Missouri Bar’s Young Lawyers Chairpersons Award, 2006, 2007
  • Missouri Bar’s Young Lawyers Chairpersons Recognition, 2008, 2009
  • Missouri Bar’s Tom Cochran Community Service Award, 2012
  • Missouri Bar’s Legislative Award, 2015
  • Missouri Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award, 2011
  • Missouri Community Colleges Association Distinguished Legislator Award, 2011
  • Missouri Economic Development Financing Association Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award, 2011
  • Missouri Homebuilders Association Legislative Award, 2010, 2012
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly Up and Coming Award, 2014
  • Missouri Physical Therapy Association Friend of the Chapter Award, 2013
  • Missouri Police Chiefs Association Just Cause Award, 2013
  • Missouri State Council of Firefighters Legislative Award, 2010
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society Committed Statesperson Award, 2010
  • St. Louis Children’s Hospital State Advocate of the Year Award, 2013
  • St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association Lewis & Clark Statesman Award, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
  • St. Louis Regional Chamber Champion Award, 2013, 2015
  • St. Louis Business Journal Legislative Award, 2010, 2011, 2012
  • St. Louis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Award, 2010
  • St. Louis County Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, 2011
  • St. Louis Police Officers’ Recognition, 2010
  • Thompson Center for Autism Special Recognition, 2010
  • Touchpoint Autism Service Social Impact Award, 2012
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Champion Award, 2015