Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Republican Representative of Iowa's 1st district
Representative
Iowa, district 2
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2023
Representative
Iowa, district 1
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025
2
Congresses Served
2
House Terms
September 6, 1955 (69 years old)
Birthday
- Served as a U.S. representative since 2021, initially representing Iowa’s 2nd congressional district and later the 1st district.
- Served as an Iowa state senator for the 41st district from 2019 to 2021.
- Ran three unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. House against Dave Loebsack before winning the seat in 2020 by a margin of six votes and was reelected in 2022.
- Enlisted in the United States Army at 18 and served for 24 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
- First-generation college student who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in education, and a Doctor of Medicine.
- Operated a private ophthalmology practice in Ottumwa, Iowa, until 2008 and served as the first female president of the Iowa Medical Society.
- Appointed director of the Iowa Department of Public Health by Governor Terry Branstad in 2010 and resigned in 2014 to run for Congress.
- Opposed the Affordable Care Act, supports abortion restrictions except in cases of rape, incest, or harm to the mother, and opposed same-sex marriage in her 2014 campaign.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, practiced social distancing and wore masks but did not support face mask mandates.
- Voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 but was one of 35 Republicans to vote to approve legislation to establish the January 6, 2021, commission.
- Co-sponsored the America’s CHILDREN Act in 2021 to help children of long-term visa holders avoid visa expiration upon turning 21.
- Voted for the Violence Against Women Act in 2021, which expanded legal protections for transgender people.
- Voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.
- Introduced the Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research, and Effectiveness Act.
- Holds committee assignments in the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
- Chairs the Conservative Climate Caucus and holds leadership or membership roles in numerous other caucuses.
- Resides in Ottumwa, Iowa, is married with two children, and is Roman Catholic.