Ellen Schutt grew up in the town of Darien, Wisconsin, and was raised there on her family's farm. She graduated from Delavan Darien High School and earned her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[1] While attending the University of Wisconsin, she became active in conservative politics on campus and re-founded the Madison chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, and founded a chapter of the Luce Society—for conservative women. She interned with Wisconsin state representative Amy Loudenbeck and in the district office of congressman Paul Ryan, handling constituent services and questions.[1] In her senior year, she received a fellowship with the Clare Booth Luce Center for Conservative Women in Herndon, Virginia.[1]
After earning her bachelor's degree, she was hired as a legislative aide to representative Amy Loudenbeck and worked for her for several years, as well as representative Jesse James. She also worked as chief of staff in the office of representative Tony Kurtz.[1]
Political career
In December 2021, Amy Loudenbeck announced that she would run for Secretary of State of Wisconsin, and therefore would not be able to run for another term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. A few days later, Schutt announced that she would be a candidate for the Republican nomination in Loudenbeck's 31st Assembly district seat.[2] Ultimately two other candidates entered the Republican primary field, but Schutt prevailed with 42% of the vote.[3] She went on to defeat the Democratic candidate, Whitewater city councilmember Brienne Brown.[4]
Schutt assumed office in January 2023.
On May 31, 2024 Schutt announced she would not seek re-election.[5]
Personal life and family
Ellen Schutt has two brothers and two sisters. She married Eric Barbour and moved to the village of Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin. Schutt and Barbour have one child. Barbour is also a legislative staffer and a Republican Party organizer. He worked for Representative Samantha Kerkman in the Assembly and was campaign manager for state senator Van H. Wanggaard in his 2018 re-election campaign. He is currently a staffer in the State Senate, and was clerk of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties during the 2021–2022 session.[6]
