Sharice Davids

Sharice Davids is the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 3rd congressional district, first elected as a Democrat in 2018. Raised by a single mother who served 20 years in the U.S. Army, Davids grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas. She earned an associate degree from Johnson County Community College, a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School in 2010. Before her political career, she was a professional mixed martial artist and practiced law, focusing on economic and community development for Native American tribes. She also served as a White House Fellow in the Department of Transportation during the Obama administration. Upon her election, Davids made history as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to the U.S. Congress and as the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent Kansas at the federal level. In the House, she serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business. She has focused much of her legislative work on regional infrastructure projects, supporting small businesses, and addressing healthcare costs. Her background as a first-generation college student and her experience on Native American reservations often inform her legislative priorities regarding education and tribal sovereignty.

Sharice Davids emphasizes healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth in her policy platform. She is a strong advocate for the Affordable Care Act, supporting efforts to expand Medicaid and lower prescription drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices. She has voted to cap the cost of insulin and has introduced legislation to prevent surprise medical billing. On economic issues, Davids focuses on small business empowerment, advocating for increased access to capital and reduced administrative burdens for entrepreneurs. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she was a vocal supporter of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, highlighting its role in modernizing Kansas's roads, bridges, and water systems. Davids supports climate action through investments in renewable energy, such as wind and solar, and has advocated for tax incentives to promote sustainable energy production. Regarding social issues, she is a supporter of reproductive rights, having voted for the Women's Health Protection Act to codify abortion access. She also supports common-sense gun safety legislation, including expanded background checks and red flag laws. On trade, she has expressed support for the USMCA while pushing for stronger labor and environmental standards within trade agreements.