Biography
Elissa Slotkin, born on July 10, 1976, in New York City, is a Democratic politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Michigan since January 3, 2025. She succeeded Senator Debbie Stabenow, becoming the second female senator from Michigan. Prior to her Senate tenure, Slotkin represented Michigan's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025. Her district included Ingham, Livingston, Clinton, and Shiawassee counties, as well as parts of Eaton, Oakland, and Genesee counties.
Slotkin's career is marked by extensive experience in national security. She served as a Central Intelligence Agency analyst, completing three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military. Under both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, she held various defense and intelligence positions, including acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs from 2015 to 2017.
In 2024, Slotkin was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican nominee Mike Rogers in a closely contested race. Her campaign emphasized reproductive rights and addressing rising costs, such as prescription drugs and higher education.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cornell University
- Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs
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Political Experience:
- Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
- U.S. Representative for Michigan's 7th Congressional District
- Served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee
- U.S. Senator from Michigan
- Serves on the Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Armed Services, and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Slotkin's legislative focus includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, and revitalizing manufacturing in Michigan. Her background in national security continues to inform her work on defense and foreign policy matters.
