Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is a member of the Democratic Party and has represented Washington's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2023. First elected in 2022, she won a seat that had been held by the Republican Party for over a decade. Gluesenkamp Perez was raised in Texas and moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Reed College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 2012. Before her election to federal office, she co-owned and operated an independent automotive repair shop with her husband. Her professional background also includes several local leadership roles, such as serving as a supervisor for the Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District and on the board of the Underwood Soil and Water Conservation District. Within the Democratic Party, she served on the executive committee for the Washington State Democratic Party. In Congress, she is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Small Business. She also serves as a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a caucus representing moderate and centrist Democratic members. Gluesenkamp Perez often emphasizes her identity as a working-class representative and small business owner. Her legislative work has prioritized issues such as vocational education, the 'Right to Repair' for farmers and car owners, and the specific needs of rural communities. She has gained national attention for her centrist voting record, occasionally breaking with her party on issues related to border security and energy. Her tenure has also focused on securing federal funding for regional infrastructure, most notably the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River.

Gluesenkamp Perez's stated positions generally align with the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, focusing on rural economic development and the needs of the working class. She is a supporter of reproductive rights and has voted for federal protections for abortion access while opposing a national ban. On economic policy, she emphasizes vocational and trade school education, tax relief for small businesses, and 'Right to Repair' legislation. Her environmental stance involves balancing conservation with the viability of the timber and agricultural industries, supporting clean energy initiatives that include rural charging infrastructure and weatherization programs. Regarding immigration, she has advocated for a bipartisan approach that includes enhanced border security and oversight of immigration enforcement alongside reforms to help legal and seasonal workers. In healthcare, she focuses on reducing the cost of prescription drugs and improving medical infrastructure in rural regions.