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.