Arizona
State Senators:
Kyrsten Sinema (I)
Term Start: January 3, 2019
Full Name: Kyrsten Lea Sinema
Date of Birth: July 12, 1976
Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Kyrsten Sinema was born in Tucson, Arizona. She faced a challenging childhood, experiencing periods of homelessness. Despite these difficulties, Sinema excelled academically. She graduated as valedictorian from Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, in 1994. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1995. Later, she earned a Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in 1999 and a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University College of Law in 2004. Sinema also holds a Ph.D. in Justice Studies and an MBA from Arizona State University.
Personal Life: Kyrsten Sinema is known for her independent spirit and unique style, often breaking traditional political molds. She has participated in Ironman triathlons and marathons, showcasing her athleticism and dedication to fitness. Sinema resides in Phoenix, Arizona. When elected in 2018, she become the first openly bisexual and the second openly LGBT woman to be elected to the United States Senate.
Early Career: Before entering politics, Sinema worked as a social worker and an adjunct professor teaching policy and grant writing at Arizona State University. Her early career focused on advocacy and community organizing, particularly on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and anti-war activism.
Political Career:
- Arizona House of Representatives: Sinema began her political career as a member of the Arizona Green Party before switching to the Democratic Party in 2004. She served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011. During her time in the state legislature, she was known for her work on criminal justice reform, education, and healthcare issues.
- Arizona State Senate: She was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 2010, serving until 2012.
- U.S. House of Representatives: Sinema was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, representing Arizona’s 9th congressional district. She served three terms from 2013 to 2019. She was noted for her bipartisan approach and focus on veterans’ issues, healthcare, and immigration reform.
- U.S. Senate: In 2018, Sinema was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first openly bisexual and the second openly LGBT woman to be elected to the United States Senate. Sinema is known for her centrist positions and has often been a key swing vote in a closely divided Senate. She focuses on issues such as healthcare, veterans’ affairs, immigration, and economic development She began her term in January 2019. She was noted for her bipartisan approach and focus on veterans’ issues, healthcare, and immigration reform
Committees:
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Political Positions and Legislative Work:
- Bipartisanship: Known for her centrist and often independent political stance, Sinema frequently emphasizes bipartisanship and has often crossed party lines on various issues.
- Committees: She has served on several key Senate committees, including the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
- Legislative Interests: Sinema’s legislative priorities have included veterans’ issues, mental health care, LGBTQ+ rights, and infrastructure development.
Party Affiliation:
- In December 2022, Sinema announced she was leaving the Democratic Party to become an Independent. Despite this change, she continues to caucus with the Democrats, similar to Independent Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King.
Senator Sinema is known for her unique approach to politics, balancing progressive social views with a pragmatic, centrist approach to legislation. Her independent streak and willingness to work across the aisle make her a distinctive figure in the U.S. Senate.
Committees
Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.
Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
Voting patterns
Senator Sinema has been active in several significant legislative efforts recently. Here are some highlights of her voting patterns and legislative actions:
1. Bipartisan Border Security Package: Sinema played a key role in negotiating a bipartisan border security package along with Republican Senator James Lankford and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy. This package aims to reassert control of the U.S. border, end catch and release, enhance security, fix the asylum system, and support border communities. This legislation is considered one of the strongest border security measures in decades.
2. Voting Rights Legislation: Sinema has consistently supported legislation aimed at safeguarding and expanding Americans’ access to the ballot box. Despite her support for voting rights, she has maintained her opposition to changes in Senate rules, such as eliminating the filibuster, believing it could lead to further divisions and instability in federal policy.
3. Foreign Aid and Border Security Funding: In early 2024, Sinema supported a bill providing $118 billion in funds for border security and foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. This bill, however, faced challenges in securing Republican support despite initial bipartisan efforts.
These recent actions illustrate Sinema’s focus on bipartisan solutions, especially in areas like border security and voting rights, while also highlighting her commitment to maintaining Senate procedures that encourage deliberation and cooperation.
Full Name: Mark Edward Kelly
Date of Birth: February 21, 1964
Birthplace: Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Mark Kelly was born in Orange, New Jersey, and raised in West Orange, New Jersey. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science in 1986. He later received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.
Personal Life: Mark Kelly is married to former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Giffords survived an assassination attempt in 2011, and together, they have been strong advocates for gun control and violence prevention. Kelly is also the author of several books, including “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope,” which he co-authored with his wife
Early Career: Mark Kelly is a retired U.S. Navy Captain. He served as a naval aviator, flying combat missions during the Gulf War. He accumulated over 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and completed over 375 carrier landings.
Mark Kelly joined NASA in 1996 and became an astronaut. He flew four space shuttle missions, including serving as the commander of the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2011. His missions included STS-108, STS-121, STS-124, and STS-134. Throughout his career as an astronaut, Kelly spent over 54 days in space
Mark Kelly (D)
Term Start: December 2, 2020
Political Career:
U.S. Senate: Mark Kelly was elected as the U.S. Senator from Arizona in a special election held in November 2020, filling the seat previously held by John McCain. He took office on December 2, 2020. In the 2022 election, he won a full six-year term.
Committee Assignments: In the Senate, Young serves on several key committees, including:
- The Senate Committee on Armed Services
- The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- The Joint Economic Committee
- Select Committee on Intelligence
- Special Committee on Aging
Political Positions and Legislative Work:
- Veterans and Military Families: Kelly is an advocate for veterans’ affairs, drawing on his military background to support legislation that benefits veterans and their families.
- Science and Space: With his experience as an astronaut, he promotes policies that advance space exploration and scientific research.
- Healthcare: Kelly supports expanding access to affordable healthcare and has worked on legislation to lower prescription drug prices.
- Gun Control: Along with his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Kelly has been a vocal advocate for gun control measures. Giffords survived an assassination attempt in 2011, which has deeply influenced their advocacy work.
Committees
Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs
Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.
Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.
Voting patterns
Senator Kelly’s recent voting pattern tends to align with the Democratic Party on most issues, reflecting his commitment to a range of progressive policies while also occasionally taking moderate positions.
Key Voting Patterns:
Economic and Budget Issues:
- American Rescue Plan Act: Voted in favor of this $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, which included direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution.
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Supported this bipartisan infrastructure bill that provides significant funding for roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband expansion.
Healthcare:
- Medicare Drug Price Negotiation: Voted in favor of allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices to lower costs for seniors.
- COVID-19 Relief and Vaccination Efforts: Supported measures to enhance COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and treatment.
Climate and Energy:
- Climate Action: Voted for legislation aimed at addressing climate change, including funding for renewable energy projects and measures to reduce carbon emissions.
- Public Lands: Supported conservation efforts and measures to protect public lands and national parks.
Social Issues:
- Voting Rights: Voted in favor of legislation designed to protect and expand voting rights, including the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
- Gun Control: As a vocal advocate for gun control, he has supported measures to expand background checks and improve gun safety.
Judicial and Executive Appointments:
- Biden Administration Appointments: Generally supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for judicial and executive branch positions.
Senator Kelly’s voting pattern reflects a commitment to key Democratic priorities, including economic recovery, healthcare access, climate action, and social justice, while also working on bipartisan initiatives such as infrastructure development.