Former Prosecutor & Politician Enjoys Quiet Life In Spartanburg, Writing, & His Own Fox News Show

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Over his 61 years on God's green planet Harold Watson 'Trey' Gowdy has been a trial attorney, federal prosecutor in the District of South Carolina (1994-00), a solicitor (DA) for the state's Seventh Judicial Circuit serving Spartanburg and Cherokee, a four term congressman ('11-'19), a best selling author, and currently the host of 'Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy' on the Fox News Channel. 

Having dabbled in several vocations, the legal system has always tugged at his heart. "The process of the law, the facts of a case, and fair representation of the law matters to me." It's the same principles that caused Gowdy to become a lawyer. "I'm an advocate for victims of crime."

He adds. "Often defendants can hire a high profile attorney, and use money and power to represent them. That could skew the outcome of a trial. I feel the victim of a crime should have every bit of the best representation possible when appearing in court."

During his tenure as 7th District Solicitor and due to his legal expertise Gowdy appeared in four episodes of the television program Forensic Files, as well as Dateline NBC and SCETV. However, after spending 25 years fighting for victim rights and spending long hours in the judicial circles, Gowdy decided to step away, running for congress in 2009.

"Honestly, I just had to get out of the courthouse." Two of the most important women in his life spurred him on. "I remember if as clear as day. It was Mother's Day 2009. My wife and mother said 'you have to do something different'."

Gowdy explains in detail. "They basically said I was surrounded by murder and so much negativity that it was beginning to take a toll on my faith and humanity. They were right. When darkness is all you see it's easy to be consumed by it. An opportunity came about to run for congress and I felt I could make a difference."

During his eight years in Washington DC, Gowdy served on several subcommittees including those covering Constitution & Civil Rights and Health Care, as well as being the chairman for Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security & Investigations and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. By all regards, Gowdy was a well respected member of congress. "I like to think so."

Although Gowdy considers President Trump an ally and supports him, he admits he didn't always see eye to eye with the Commander in Chief when they were both in office during Trump's first term. "We have a great relationship. He likes to say I'm right about 50 percent of the time. President Trump does listen to people."

More than six years removed from congress, Gowdy says he and Trump still communicate on a regular basis. "He's genuinely a very welcoming guy. We've played golf three times this year. Once in Florida and couple of times in Virginia."

About the same time Gowdy decided to exit congress (2018) he and South Carolina U.S. Senator Tim Scott published two books together. 'The Friendship Challenge: A Six-Week Guide to True Reconciliation--One Friendship at a Time' and 'Unified: How Our Unlikely Friendship Gives Us Hope for a Divided Country' carry similar messages. 

"They are basically about relationship building. It was Tim who wanted to write the books. We're at the dinner table one night and he says let's write a book together that will shock people. Here we are, two men, one black and one white who grew up in South Carolina from totally different backgrounds."

Gowdy goes on to say. "We came up during a time where we often couldn't go to the same schools or eat at the same restaurants. Black and white friendships were looked down upon." The two first met in the US House of Representatives in 2010. "We became fast friends. Tim is an eternal optimist. That's one of many things I admire about him."

Gowdy's next two books came after leaving politics. 'Doesn't Hurt to Ask' (2020) and 'Start, Stay, or Leave' (2023) deal with effective communication and decision making respectively.

He recalls an endearing interaction he had in his hometown of Spartanburg that spurred the latter book. "I was in the grocery store and a woman came up to me and asked if I was still in the courthouse. I politely said no. She said, well I thought you were very fair." Humbly Gowdy adds, "I think that's how I want to be remembered and my tombstone to read 'he was very fair'.

His current release 'The Color of Death' is his first foray into fiction, with the story line drawing on his career as a prosecutor. Released in August of 2025 'The Color of Death' is a dark mystery about a murder in a small South Carolina town. "I wanted to take a stab at a different genre." 

Gowdy admits being authentic was key to him writing the book. "The dialogue, the points of view, the actual murder, and the interaction between the prosecutors and law enforcement. I drew on my past experience. The bottom line is, if lawyers and law enforcement people read it, I want it to be authentic to them."

Gowdy says the plot mirrors former cases he covered. "The cases never leave your head. A beautiful young woman killed in her own salon. That was real, and it took 10 years to find her killer. I write what's in my head, and honestly, I've been writing a book like 'The Color of Death' for decades."

In 2019 Gowdy became a contributor to Fox News, serving as an interim host of Fox News Primetime by 2021. Later that same year he was named host of Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy. He declares he's comfortably in his element on the cable news channel.

"Fox is great to me. I get to film the show from my house in Spartanburg. And I love being in Spartanburg. It's where I grew up. My parents, my wife, and my golfing buddies are all here."

Airing at 9pm, Sunday Night in America begins with Gowdy presenting a short monologue recapping the weeks news. He then brings in multiple guests throughout the hour, many fellow politicians or Fox News personalities. "It's a nice mix. It's not always people that see eye to eye with me. I had James Clyburn (SC democrat congressman) on one time and we discussed crime. I enjoy discussing differing points of views." 

What's Gowdy's overall goal on his show. "It's twofold really. I like to educate and advocate for the viewer." Although he offers up advice and solutions, Gowdy draws the line. "While I enjoy informing people and the art of subtle persuasion, they need to take the final step themselves."

Gowdy was raised in a God fearing household. "I grew up going to church every time the doors were open." A man dedicated to family values, patriotism, and legal representation Gowdy is equally passionate about his faith on a personal level. "One of my favorite Bible verses is 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12)". The passage refers to approaching your individual walk with God with humility. By all accounts Trey Gowdy has been doing that his entire life.

Gowdy's contributions to a life well lived stand on their own. Maintaining lasting friendships, as well as a flawless record in the courtroom and undefeated political races prove that nice guys do often come in first. To keep up on Gowdy visit his website at https://www.treygowdy.com/  and for info on his Fox News Sunday night show visit https://www.foxnews.com/shows/sunday-night-in-america-with-trey-gowdy   

Published by Fox News Books in partnership with Harper Collins, 'The Color of Death' is available through online book sellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as https://www.foxnews.com/books/the-color-of-death