Pramila Jayapal, born on September 21, 1965, is a remarkable American politician who has been serving as the U.S. representative from Washington's 7th congressional district since 2017. As a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, she proudly represents the majority of Seattle, as well as several suburban areas of King County.
Prior to her illustrious career in politics, Jayapal was a passionate Seattle-based civil rights activist, serving as the executive director of OneAmerica, a prominent pro-immigrant advocacy group, until 2012. She founded the organization, initially known as Hate Free Zone, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Jayapal's tireless efforts to promote social justice and equality have been instrumental in shaping her political trajectory.
As a trailblazing figure in American politics, Jayapal made history by becoming the first Indian-American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Moreover, she is the first female member of Congress to represent Washington at the federal level, as well as the first Asian American to do so.
In addition to her remarkable achievements, Jayapal has also held prominent leadership positions. She co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2019 to 2021, before taking on the role of chair. Her commitment to progressive values has been unwavering, and she continues to be a powerful voice in the halls of Congress.
Jayapal's dedication to her constituents is reflected in her service on the Judiciary Committee and Budget Committee. Her extensive experience in both politics and activism has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively represent the interests of her constituents.
