Biography
Representative Lucy McBath is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Georgia's 6th Congressional District. Born on June 1, 1960, in Joliet, Illinois, she was deeply influenced by her family's involvement in the civil rights movement; her father, Dr. Lucien Holman, served as the Illinois branch president of the NAACP.
McBath's advocacy for gun control began after the tragic death of her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, who was fatally shot in 2012 during a dispute over loud music. This personal loss propelled her into activism, leading her to become the national spokesperson for Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
In 2018, McBath was elected to Congress, defeating Republican incumbent Karen Handel. She has since been re-elected, continuing her work on issues such as gun violence prevention, healthcare access, and veterans' rights. In 2022, she was elected Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Education and Political Experience
Notable Achievements
Gun Violence Prevention: Instrumental in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first comprehensive gun safety legislation in over three decades.
Healthcare: Co-introduced legislation capping insulin costs at $35 per month for seniors on Medicare, which was signed into law in 2023.
Veterans' Rights: Authored the HAVEN Act, protecting veterans experiencing financial hardship; the bill was signed into law in 2019.
Education: Led a bill into law in 2024 requiring reporting about hazing on college campuses to protect students.
McBath's legislative efforts reflect her commitment to bipartisan solutions aimed at improving the lives of her constituents and addressing critical national issues.