Kyrsten Sinema is an American politician, lawyer, and former social worker born on July 12, 1976, in Tucson, Arizona. She served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 2019 to 2025, initially as a Democrat before becoming an independent in December 2022; she caucused with Democrats alongside independents like Bernie Sanders, Angus King, and Joe Manchin. Notable achievements include being the first openly bisexual person, the first woman, and the only religiously unaffiliated member elected to the Senate from Arizona; her seat was succeeded by Democrat Ruben Gallego in 2024.

Education

• B.A., Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
• M.S.W., Arizona State University
• J.D., Arizona State University
• Ph.D. in Justice Studies, Arizona State University
• M.B.A., Arizona State University

She has also served as a lecturer and Distinguished Professor of Practice at Arizona State University's School of Social Work since 2003.

Political Experience

• Arizona House of Representatives
• Arizona State Senate , elected in 2010 defeating Republican Bob Thomas
• U.S. House of Representatives, Arizona's 9th district
• U.S. Senate, Arizona , elected in 2018 defeating Republican Martha McSally