Biography
Rashida Tlaib, born on July 24, 1976, in Detroit, Michigan, is the eldest of 14 children to Palestinian immigrant parents. She made history in 2019 as one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in Congress. Tlaib represents Michigan's 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Detroit, Dearborn, and surrounding communities. She is a member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. Throughout her career, Tlaib has been a vocal advocate for social justice, environmental issues, and the rights of working-class families.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wayne State University
- Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School
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Political Experience:
- Served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014, representing the 12th and 6th districts.
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District; re-elected in 2020.
- Following redistricting, elected to represent Michigan's 12th Congressional District in 2022.
- Serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
- Chairs the Congressional Mamas' Caucus and the Congressional Get The Lead Out Caucus.
Tlaib's tenure has been marked by her commitment to environmental justice, notably challenging corporate polluters in her district. She has also been a strong proponent of Medicare for All, a $20 minimum wage, and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement . Her advocacy extends to foreign policy, where she has been a vocal critic of U.S. support for Israel's policies towards Palestinians.
