Debbie DeMint, born Debbie Henderson, is the longtime wife and high school sweetheart of former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, whom she met in Greenville, South Carolina. Married since 1971, she has been a steadfast partner in his political career, supporting his roles in the U.S. House (1999-2005), U.S. Senate (2005-2013), and subsequent positions as President of The Heritage Foundation and Chairman of the Conservative Partnership Institute. Debbie has been actively involved in Jim's political and charitable endeavors in South Carolina, where she encouraged him during challenging times, such as when he considered quitting Congress early in his career, as detailed in his book 'The Great American Awakening' (2012). Professionally, she has a background in nursing and rehabilitation counseling, holding credentials as a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Master of Science (MS), Bachelor of Science in Business Management (BSBM), Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), and Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS). She has worked as an innovator, change agent, facilitator, coach, and empathetic leader in group practice settings. The couple has raised four children who are now grown, married, and providing them with grandchildren. They reside in South Carolina, maintaining strong ties to Greenville, where they developed their conservative principles as a family and small business owners.