Biography

Maria Cantwell, born on October 13, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a Democratic U.S. Senator representing Washington State. She was first elected to the Senate in 2000, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Slade Gorton. Since then, she has been reelected in 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2024. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Cantwell served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995 and in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993. She is known for her work on energy policy, environmental conservation, and technology issues. In 2021, she became the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Miami University, Ohio.

• Political Experience:

  • Washington State House of Representatives
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Washington's 1st district
  • U.S. Senate
  • Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
  • Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
  • Chair, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Chair, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Throughout her career, Cantwell has been a strong advocate for environmental protection, energy independence, and technological innovation. She played a pivotal role in blocking efforts to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and has consistently supported legislation aimed at promoting renewable energy sources.