Occupation & Background: U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 4th Congressional District (2001–present). Former Minnesota House Representative (1993–2000), North St. Paul City Council member (1987–1992), high school social studies teacher, and retail manager. Graduate of the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University). Represents St. Paul, all of Ramsey County, and most of Washington County. Age: 72 Accomplishments: First elected to Congress in 2000 and only the second woman elected to Congress from Minnesota. Dean of Minnesota's congressional delegation and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving as the top Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Has championed investments in education, healthcare, environmental protection, military readiness, tribal communities, and infrastructure. Economic Justice: Supports strengthening the middle class through investments in education, infrastructure, and workforce development. Advocates protecting Social Security and Medicare, increasing funding for public education, supporting labor unions, and ensuring corporations and wealthy individuals pay a fair share in taxes. Supports federal investments that create jobs and expand economic opportunity. Climate: Strong supporter of environmental protection and clean energy investments. Advocates protecting Minnesota's air, water, public lands, and natural resources while investing in renewable energy, conservation, and climate resilience. Has prioritized funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and tribal environmental programs. Healthcare: Supports universal access to affordable healthcare and is a cosponsor of Medicare for All legislation. Strong advocate for protecting and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug costs, defending Medicare and Medicaid, and expanding community health centers and mental health services. Housing: Supports expanding affordable housing, increasing federal investments in housing assistance, reducing homelessness, and strengthening community development programs. Advocates increasing access to safe, affordable housing for working families, seniors, and veterans. Criminal Justice / Policing: Supports police accountability, criminal justice reform, and protecting civil rights while maintaining public safety. Advocates investments in violence prevention, mental health services, and community-based public safety initiatives. Supports oversight of law enforcement and protecting constitutional rights. Immigration: Supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes stronger legal pathways to citizenship, protections for Dreamers, and a humane asylum system while maintaining national security. Has opposed immigration enforcement policies she believes violate constitutional rights and supports reforms that increase oversight and accountability within federal immigration agencies.