Biography

Christopher Scott Murphy, born on August 3, 1973, in White Plains, New York, is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Connecticut since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Murphy has been a prominent advocate for gun control, healthcare reform, and American manufacturing. He is married to Catherine Holahan, an attorney, and they have two sons, Owen and Rider.

Education

• Williams College: Bachelor's degrees in history and political science, 1996.
• University of Oxford: Studied abroad during undergraduate years.
• University of Connecticut School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2002.

Political Experience

• Connecticut House of Representatives: Served from 1999 to 2003.
• Connecticut State Senate: Served from 2003 to 2006; Assistant Senate Majority Leader in final year.
• U.S. House of Representatives: Represented Connecticut's 5th Congressional District from 2007 to 2013.
• U.S. Senate: Elected in 2012; re-elected in 2018 and 2024.

Notable Achievements

• Gun Control Advocacy: Following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Murphy became a leading proponent of commonsense reforms to reduce gun violence, championing bipartisan bills aimed at expanding background checks and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals.
• Healthcare Reform: A vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, Murphy has consistently opposed efforts to repeal or defund its provisions.
• American Manufacturing: Through his Buy American initiative, Murphy has fought to expand American manufacturing and create jobs by urging the U.S. government to spend taxpayer dollars on American-made goods.
• Mental Health Legislation: Co-authored the Mental Health Reform Act, which was passed as part of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, providing funding to address the opioid crisis and support mental health services.
• Foreign Relations: As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Murphy has been an outspoken proponent of diplomacy, international human rights, and the need for clear-eyed American leadership abroad.

Murphy's career reflects a commitment to progressive policies, with a focus on public health, safety, and economic development.