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Explore Pam Bondi’s biography — her age, education, husband/divorces, career journey, net worth, and legacy as U.S. Attorney General and former Florida AG.
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney and politician who became a nationally prominent figure through her roles as Florida’s Attorney General (2011-2019) and, starting February 2025, as U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump. Known for her prosecutorial background, her media appearances, and her controversial but influential legal work, she has built a lasting legacy in American politics and law. From her early life in Tampa, through top legal battles and political challenges, Bondi’s story is one of resilience, public service, and navigating intense scrutiny.
Highlights of This Biography
- Date of Birth & Age: Born November 17, 1965 — ~59 years old as of late 2025.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of Florida (1987); Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Stetson University College of Law (1990).
- Marriages & Family: Married twice (divorced both times); no children.
- Early Career: Prosecutor in Hillsborough County, Florida; served for nearly two decades before entering elected office.
- Political Offices: Florida Attorney General (2011-2019); U.S. Attorney General (2025-present).
- Notable Legal & Political Work: Tackled “pill mills,” pursued consumer protection, defended state laws like Florida’s marriage laws, involved in national litigation (e.g. lawsuits against the Affordable Care Act), served on Trump’s impeachment defense team, and involved in the America First policy circles.
- Net Worth Estimate: Approximately US$2-18 million (varying by source) as of 2025.
Early Life & Education
Pam Bondi was born in Tampa, Florida, to Joseph Bondi (a professor, educational consultant, and former mayor of Temple Terrace) and Patsy Loretta Hammer Bondi, an elementary school teacher. She grew up with values that emphasized public service and education.
She attended C. Leon King High School in Tampa, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida in 1987. She followed that up with a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 1990, and entered the Florida bar in 1991.
Early Legal & Political Career
After law school, Bondi worked as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, Florida, for many years. She built a reputation for handling a wide range of cases, from consumer protection to serious crimes. Her work in the state attorney’s office laid the foundation for her later influence.
In 2010, she ran for and was elected Florida Attorney General, becoming the first woman to hold that office in Florida. She took office in January 2011 and was re-elected in 2014. Her policy priorities as AG included cracking down on illegal clinics (“pill mills”) involved in the opioid crisis, fighting for consumer rights, shutting down unscrupulous providers, and other law enforcement initiatives.
Personal Life: Marriages, Children & Family
Pam Bondi has been married twice: first to Garret Barnes (from 1990 to 1992), then to Scott Fitzgerald (1996-2002). Both marriages ended in divorce. She has no children.
Since around 2017, she has been in a long-term relationship with John Wakefield, a former banking and wealth management executive (often described as her partner in public reporting), though they are not married. Her family background (parents, siblings) remains part of her public profile, but she generally keeps personal details private.
U.S. Attorney General & Recent Career Moves
After serving as Florida AG until 2019, Bondi moved into private practice and lobbying. She worked with the firm Ballard Partners (including representing foreign clients) and engaged in consulting and media roles. She also defended Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2020 and involved herself in conservative legal initiatives.
In November 2024, after Matt Gaetz withdrew as Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, Bondi was selected by President-elect Trump. After Senate confirmation (54-46 vote), she was sworn in as the 87th U.S. Attorney General on February 5, 2025. Her tenure has included creating or supporting new DOJ working groups, defining policy priorities (e.g., addressing crime, revisiting certain regulatory or enforcement frameworks), and facing scrutiny on how political legal issues are handled.
Net Worth, Income & Finances
Estimates of Pam Bondi’s net worth vary by source, typically ranging from US$2 million to perhaps up to US$18 million, depending on what is included (salary, investments, real estate, husband/partner holdings). Some of her financial disclosures note assets tied to her partner John Wakefield, including real estate stakes.
Her income comes from her government salary (as Attorney General), past earnings as Florida AG, consulting, media appearances, lobbying, and other legal/financial roles. Her husband/partner’s business holdings also feature in public reporting (though they are separate).
Legacy & Impact
Pam Bondi’s legacy is mixed but significant. She broke barriers as the first female Florida Attorney General, was a prominent conservative legal actor, and made high-profile choices on issues like the opioid crisis, consumer protection, and state legal battles with federal policies. Her recent appointment as U.S. Attorney General places her in a critical role during a contentious time in U.S. legal and political life—making decisions with national impact.
Her critics note ethical questions (such as past decisions not to pursue certain lawsuits, her lobbying work, and controversies involving donor relationships), while her supporters point to her courtroom credentials, her work on crime, and her alignment with conservative legal values.
Conclusion
Pam Bondi is a figure who illustrates how legal expertise, political ambition, and public visibility combine to shape power in American public life. From prosecutor to state AG, from columnist and lobbyist to U.S. Attorney General, her path shows both achievements and controversies. At ~59 years old, without children, having been married twice, she continues to wield considerable influence in the legal and political spheres.
Her career will likely be studied for years—both for policy outcomes and for how legal officials manage balance between public interest, politics, and ethics.
FAQs About Pam Bondi’s Biography
What is Pam Bondi’s age?
She was born on November 17, 1965, making her about 59 years old as of late 2025.
What is her educational background?
She earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida (1987) and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law (1990).
Has she ever been married? Does she have children?
Yes, she has been married twice (to Garret Barnes and then Scott Fitzgerald), both marriages ended in divorce. She has no children.
Who is Pam Bondi’s partner?
Since 2017, she has been publicly linked with John Wakefield, a former banking/wealth management executive.
What is her estimated net worth?
Estimates vary, typically between US$2 million to around US$18 million, depending on assets included.
What roles has she held in public service?
She served as Florida’s Attorney General (2011-2019) and is the U.S. Attorney General as of February 5, 2025. Prior to that, she worked as a prosecutor, legal analyst, and lobbyist.
What are controversies or criticisms she has faced?
Some controversies include her past decision-not-to pursue certain fraud cases related to Trump University, her role in partisan legal battles, her regulatory priorities, and her work as a lobbyist. Critics also question how political influences intersect with her legal decisions.
