Chris Garten

Chris Garten is an American politician. Garten was first elected in November 2018 to represent District 45 in the Indiana Senate and served as Majority Floor Leader from 2022 to 2026. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Early life and education Garten was raised in Scottsburg, Indiana, and graduated from Scottsburg Senior High School in 2000. He attended Indiana University Southeast, but his college education was interrupted by his military service. In August 2023, he completed his undergraduate studies and earned his bachelor's degree through Indiana University Southeast's degree reclamation program.

Military service Garten served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 14 years with broken time between 2001 and 2021, which included two combat tours in Iraq. He separated from the service as a gunnery sergeant. At various times he held the billet of platoon commander and scout patrol leader.

Elected office Garten was first elected to the Indiana Senate in November 2018. In August 2022, Garten was appointed as Senate Majority Floor Leader by Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, making Garten the state's first ever first-term Majority Floor Leader. He was soon after re-elected for a second term in November 2022. In addition to his leadership position within the Senate Republican caucus, Garten chairs the Senate Committee on Joint Rules, serves as Ranking Member for the Senate Rules & Legislative Procedure Committee, serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and sits on the State Budget Committee. In 2023, he also chaired the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force and Government Reform Task Force. As of April 2024, Garten has authored/sponsored and successfully passed into law over 80 bills. He resigned as floor leader in June, 2026, citing disagreements with the chamber's leadership.

Statewide & community involvement Garten serves on many boards and is an active member of many organizations. He is a board member for the One Southern Indiana Advocacy Council, Scott County Public Defender Board and Darkhorse Expeditions. He previously served as Vice-President of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce and on the Indiana Builders Association Board. He is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Garten is also an active member of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Builders Association and National Federation of Independent Business.

Honors & awards In 2024, State Affairs and Howey Politics released an "Indiana Power 50" list that named Garten as one of the state's most influential people. In 2023, Garten was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Indiana State Police Alliance and recognized for his "Commitment to Excellence" by the Indiana Association of Counties. In 2022, Garten was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Indiana Bankers Association and the Disabled American Veterans. He was also named "Senator of the Year" by Aviation Indiana.

In 2021, the Indiana Builders Association presented Garten with the "John C. Hart Presidential Award" and in 2019, ProKids Central Indiana First Steps named him a distinguished "First Steps Champion." In 2017, One Southern Indiana presented Garten with their "James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year Award" and Garten graduated from the Indiana Leadership Forum. In 2016, Southern Indiana Business Source included Garten in their "20 UNDER 40" list, and in 2015, Garten completed the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course and was selected by his peers to receive the "Highest Award for Achievement." In 2012, the Indiana Southeast Business Development Center recognized him as "Young Entrepreneur of the Year."