Pramila Jayapal

Pramila Jayapal, born on September 21, 1965, is a prominent American politician who has been serving as the U.S. representative for Washington's 7th congressional district since 2017. As a member of the Democratic Party, she represents a significant portion of Seattle and surrounding suburban regions of King County. Jayapal carved her path in politics as the first Indian-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and made history as Washington's first Asian American member of Congress.

Before her federal career, Jayapal was deeply engaged in civil rights activism, leading OneAmerica, a pro-immigrant organization she founded following the September 11 attacks. Under her leadership, the group, initially named Hate Free Zone, became a vital voice for immigrant rights until 2012.

In the Washington State Senate, she represented the 37th legislative district from 2015 to 2017, gaining recognition for her progressive policies. From 2019 to 2021, she co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus and now continues her leadership as chair. Additionally, Jayapal is an active member of both the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee, where she influences key legislative discussions. Her dedication to civil rights and progressive values has established her as a significant figure in contemporary American politics.