Summer Lee
Democrat Representative of Pennsylvania's 12th district
Representative
Pennsylvania, district 12
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025
1
Congresses Served
1
House Terms
November 26, 1987 (37 years old)
Birthday
- Became the U.S. representative for a congressional district in 2023.
- Served in the state House of Representatives before joining Congress.
- Was the first black woman to represent Southwestern Pennsylvania in the state legislature.
- Won a primary election by a narrow margin and became the first black woman from her state in the House of Representatives.
- Raised in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, and attended local high school.
- Holds a degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.
- Campaigned for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primaries.
- Defeated an incumbent representative in the Democratic primary for the state House through grassroots campaigning.
- Has served on the Education, Health, and Judiciary committees.
- Announced candidacy for Congress after the retirement of the incumbent representative and won the primary and general elections.
- Ran for reelection to the state House simultaneously with her congressional campaign but resigned to serve in Congress.
- Faced a primary challenge in the next election cycle but secured endorsements from prominent Democrats.
- Supports abortion rights and has called for the preservation of FDA approval for specific treatments.
- Criticized a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in college admissions.
- Voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, citing concerns over economic catastrophe.
- Advocated for gun control and criticized the proliferation of guns in America.
- Called for accountability from railroads and supported stricter federal rail safety regulations.
- Voted against resolutions condemning Iran and supporting Israel, expressing concern over issues related to Israel and Palestine.
- Was barred from entering Russia along with other members of Congress.
- Supported TikTok amidst discussions of a ban in the United States.
- Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment (vice chair), and Congressional Progressive Caucus.
- Lives in Swissvale, Pennsylvania.