Kyrsten Sinema

Independent senior Senator of Arizona

  • Senator

    Arizona

    January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2025

202-224-4521

@SenatorSinema

sinema.senate.gov

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6

Congresses Served

3

House Terms

1

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