Kyrsten Sinema

Independent senior Senator of Arizona

Representative
Arizona, district 9
January 3, 2013 - January 3, 2015
Representative
Arizona, district 9
January 6, 2015 - January 3, 2017
Representative
Arizona, district 9
January 3, 2017 - January 3, 2019
Senator
Arizona
January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2025

202-224-4521

@SenatorSinema

sinema.senate.gov

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Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

January 1, 1976 (48 years old)

Birthday

Former social worker turned politician
Served as a state representative and state senator in Arizona before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and later the U.S. Senate
Initially began her political career with the Arizona Green Party before joining the Democratic Party, and later became an independent
Known for her progressive advocacy early in her career, particularly on LGBT rights and opposition to the war on terror
Developed a reputation for bipartisanship and was part of several moderate and bipartisan groups in Congress
First openly bisexual person and second openly LGBT woman elected to Congress
First woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona and the only religiously unaffiliated member of the Senate at the time of her service
Considered a key swing vote in the Senate during a period of 50–50 split between Democrats and Republicans
Controversial figure among progressives, particularly for her stance on minimum wage legislation
Announced she would not seek reelection in 2024
Has a background in law and social work, with multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in justice studies
Early life included significant hardship, living in poverty after her stepfather lost his job
Has been involved in academia as an adjunct professor
Criticized capitalism early in her career and was active in anti-war protests
Played a significant role in health care reform discussions and supported veterans’ issues during her tenure in the Arizona State Legislature
Shifted toward the political center during her time in Congress, joining conservative and bipartisan coalitions
Voted in line with President Donald Trump’s position approximately 50% of the time during his presidency, according to FiveThirtyEight
Supports abortion rights and has a history of advocating for LGBT rights and immigration reform
Opposed to the death penalty and has taken moderate positions on economic issues, including opposition to certain financial regulations and support for federal stimulus spending
Voted against the Green New Deal and has had mixed votes on gun control measures
Known for her unique personal style, including wearing colorful wigs during the COVID-19 pandemic to emphasize the importance of social distancing