Jason Chaffetz a mormon: salary at Fox,net worth,wife,GOP shutdown approval rises

Here’s an in‑depth look at Jason Chaffetz—his faith, his career, his finances, his family—and how all of that intersects with shifting political dynamics such as GOP shutdown approval. The article will cover:

1. Early life & background

2. Religious journey: converting to Mormonism

3. Political career highlights

4. Salary, net worth & post‑Congress career

5. Family life: wife & children

6. Current relevance: shutdowns, GOP approval & what’s next

7. Critical perspective and concluding thoughts

1. Early life & background

Jason E. Chaffetz was born on March 26, 1967, in Los Gatos, California. He grew up between California and Arizona and graduated high school in Granby, Colorado.

He then attended Brigham Young University (BYU) on an athletic scholarship as the starting place‑kicker on the football team in 1988‑89, converting 16 of 25 field goal attempts and 89 of 94 extra points. He graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in communications.

Before entering politics, Chaffetz worked for about a decade in public relations for a multi‑level marketing company, Nu Skin International.

2. Religious journey: converting to Mormonism

An interesting part of Chaffetz’s biography is his religious background. He was born to a father of Jewish heritage and a mother who became a Christian Scientist and later converted to the LDS faith.

Chaffetz himself converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints (commonly “Mormonism”) during his college years at BYU.

Being a convert—rather than someone raised in the faith from early childhood—gives a slightly different perspective on how faith intersects with his politics. Being one of a small number of Mormons in Congress is also noteworthy.

In short: Yes — Jason Chaffetz is a Mormon (by conversion), and that fact plays into but does not fully define his public profile.

3. Political career highlights

Entry into politics & Congressional service
Chaffetz entered formal politics by working for then‑Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman Jr., as campaign manager and later chief of staff.
He ran successfully for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, representing Utah’s 3rd congressional district beginning January 3, 2009.

He was re‑elected multiple times and in January 2015 became Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform.

Key issues and reputation
Chaffetz acquired a reputation as a tough oversight investigator—covering issues such as Secret Service breaches, the Benghazi affair, the IRS scandal, among others. His style has been described as direct, no‑nonsense, but also sometimes controversial.

Departure from Congress
On May 18, 2017, Chaffetz announced his resignation from Congress, effective June 30, 2017, stating that he had served his time, wanted to be “on the other side” of the equation, and spend more time with his family.

He later cited partly financial reasons:

“I mean… we’re paid a very handsome salary, but… I can’t afford to have two places… kids in college…”

4. Salary, net worth & post‑Congress career

Congressional salary
While serving as a U.S. Representative, Chaffetz earned the standard Congressional salary—about $174,000 per year.

He also advocated that members of Congress should receive a housing stipend for Washington, D.C. living—he suggested $2,500/month (~$30,000/year) to cover the D.C. cost of living.

Post‑Congress: Fox News & speaking engagements
After leaving Congress, Chaffetz joined Fox News Channel as a contributor starting July 1, 2017. While his precise Fox salary isn’t publicly verified, estimates place it in the six‑figure range — typical for top network contributors.

His speaking fee is also public: between $20,000 to $30,000 for keynote appearances.

Net worth estimates
Different sources give very different numbers:

• Some estimate his net worth at $600,000.

• Others estimate about $2 million.

• Some more speculative sources claim numbers as high as $8.5 million, though that appears less verified.

Given the standard salary and modest outside business interests, many analysts suggest his wealth is relatively modest compared to many senior politicians.

Summary of finances

• Salary in Congress: ~ $174k/year.

• Post‑Congress media & speaking income: potentially higher but exact number unknown.

• Net worth: estimates vary; likely in the low millions or less.

• Real estate: he has residences in Utah and has commented on the burden of two homes.

5. Family life: wife & children

Chaffetz married Julie Chaffetz (née Julie Johnson) in February 1991. They met during their college years at BYU.

They have three children together. In his resignation letter, Chaffetz referenced having been married more than 26 years, proud of his “three wonderful children.”

Julie’s background: she has worked in professional medical consulting roles.

The family resides in Alpine, Utah. Chaffetz often emphasizes the strain that Congressional life placed on family time, noting “1,500 nights away from my family” when deciding to leave Congress.

6. Current relevance: shutdowns, GOP approval & what’s next

Though Chaffetz is no longer a sitting Congressman, his profile and commentary remain relevant in conservative media and among Republican circles.

GOP, shutdowns & public approval
Recent polling shows interesting dynamics around federal government shutdowns: more voters are attributing blame evenly across parties rather than exclusively to Republicans. Despite significant friction, Republican approval in relation to shutdowns is showing relative resilience.

Chaffetz’s angle

• Advocate of limited government, fiscal discipline, and accountability.

• Media role allows him to comment on government spending and oversight.

• Public sentiment and polling dynamics affect the influence of his commentary.

What’s next for Chaffetz

• Continued media presence (TV commentary, podcasts).

• Speaking engagements and book deals.

• Potential revisit of elective politics (though no confirmed announcement at this time).

• Advocacy centered around his faith, limited government, and oversight issues.

7. Critical perspective and concluding thoughts

Faith & identity
Chaffetz’s conversion to Mormonism is meaningful—he exemplifies how faith can shape a public figure’s values without fully defining their policy positions.

Career arc & departure
His decision to leave Congress mid‑term (in 2017) reflected family strain, finances, and new opportunities, resonating as a realistic reflection of the personal cost of public office.

Finances
Though he had a prominent political career, his net worth is relatively modest compared to peers. Discrepancies in estimates also remind us to treat net worth claims cautiously.

Political influence and relevance
While not in office, his presence in conservative commentary keeps him relevant. In the era of shutdown dynamics and partisan stalemates, voices like his help frame the conversation about government size, oversight, and accountability.

Summary
Jason Chaffetz is a Mormon (by conversion) whose faith, background, and career offer a multifaceted story of American public life. From BYU kicker to Congress, to Fox News contributor and speaker, his journey reflects ambition, public service costs, and post‑political influence. His finances, family life, and continued media role illustrate a modern political career that extends beyond elected office.