Elected Experience: U.S. Representative: 2013-Present, Appropriations Committee; Listed in Washington Post as one of the Five Most Effective Democrats in Congress; AMVETS American Veterans Silver Helmet Award; Retail Federation Hero of Main Street; NPCA Friend of the National Parks; State Legislator: 2005-2012

Other Professional Experience: Former Vice President, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County; Former Management Consultant, McKinsey & Company

Education: Port Angeles High School; Bachelor's Degree, Princeton University; Doctoral Degree, University of Oxford

Community Service: Former Trustee, Tacoma Community College; Former Board Member, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce; Former Board Member, Peninsula Schools Education Foundation; Member, Rotary; Member, Gig Harbor United Methodist Church  

Statement: As a new representative, my focus has been getting our economy and Congress on track.

We need to fix a broken political system. I'm leading by example. When some in Congress forced a government shutdown, I gave up my own pay. I'm part of a coalition of Democrats and Republicans working to set aside partisan bickering and focus on progress. I've championed bills to reduce the influence of big money and special interests in elections and authored bipartisan legislation to crack down on politicians who violate campaign finance rules.

We need an economy that works for everyone. Having grown up on the Olympic Peninsula and having worked for a decade in economic development in Tacoma, I'm focused on supporting small businesses and growing opportunities all across our region. I've introduced legislation to make it tougher to offshore jobs and led efforts to ensure shipyard workers don't take a pay cut when they travel for work. I'm fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare so seniors like my 106-year-old grandmother can count on the benefits they've earned.

We need strong schools and a skilled workforce. As the son of two schoolteachers and as a dad, I've consistently supported funding for public schools. It's too hard for middle-class families to afford college, so I've authored legislation to boost financial aid and reduce student debt.

We need to protect our environment for future generations. I've been working to clean up Puget Sound and protect National Parks and areas that make our region special.

We need to support military families and veterans. I've sponsored bills to help transitioning veterans and fix problems at the VA. If you serve our country, we should have your back. I ask for your vote so I can keep working to get things on track.