Who is Angie Craig? Angie Craig is a trailblazing American politician, journalist, and former businesswoman. Born in West Helena, Arkansas, in 1972, she has made history as the first openly LGBT+ member of Congress from Minnesota and the first lesbian mother to serve in Congress. Craig's journey from a small-town upbringing to the halls of Congress is marked by resilience and dedication. She has championed healthcare reform, infrastructure investment, and career skills education. Her bipartisan approach and commitment to public service have earned her respect across party lines. Craig's story is one of perseverance, community involvement, and groundbreaking achievements.
Key Takeaways:
- Angie Craig's journey from a small town to Congress shows that hard work and dedication can lead to making a positive impact on the community and the nation.
- With a background in journalism and a commitment to bipartisan efforts, Angie Craig strives to address important issues like healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety while engaging with her constituents.
Early Life and Education
Angie Craig's journey began in a small town, where she developed the values that would guide her future.
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Birth and Early Life: Born on February 14, 1972, in West Helena, Arkansas, Angie Craig grew up in a small town that shaped her strong values.
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Education: Craig graduated from Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She later earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis.
Career Beginnings
Craig's early career was marked by her work in journalism, which laid the foundation for her future roles.
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Early Career in Journalism: After college, Craig interned at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, eventually becoming a full-time reporter.
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International Experience: From 2002 to 2005, Craig lived in London, continuing her journalism career and broadening her perspective.
Move to Minnesota and Personal Life
Minnesota became Craig's home and the base for her political career.
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Move to Minnesota: In 2005, Craig moved to Minnesota for a job at St. Jude Medical, working in human resources and corporate communications.
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Personal Life: In 2008, Craig married Cheryl Greene. The couple has four sons and is actively involved in their community.
Political Career
Craig's political journey is marked by significant milestones and achievements.
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Political Beginnings: Craig first ran for Congress in 2016, representing Minnesota's 2nd congressional district, narrowly losing to Jason Lewis.
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Rematch with Jason Lewis: In 2018, Craig defeated Lewis, becoming the first openly lesbian mother elected to Congress.
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First Openly LGBT+ Member from Minnesota: Craig is the first openly LGBT+ member of Congress from Minnesota.
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First Lesbian Mother in Congress: She is also the first lesbian mother to serve in Congress.
District Representation and Legislative Efforts
Craig's dedication to her district and legislative efforts is evident in her work.
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District Representation: The 2nd congressional district includes southern suburbs of the Twin Cities and rural areas to the southwest.
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Bipartisan Index Score: Craig held a Bipartisan Index Score of 0.3 in the 116th Congress, making her one of the more bipartisan members.
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Voting Record: During Trump's presidency, Craig voted in line with his position 5.5% of the time, while aligning with Biden's positions 100% in the 117th Congress, dropping to 70.6% by 2023.
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Affordable Insulin Now Act: On February 25, 2022, Craig introduced a bill to cap out-of-pocket insulin prices at $35 per month, which passed the House.
Community Involvement and Business Ventures
Craig's commitment to her community and business experience is noteworthy.
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Community Involvement: Craig serves on several local community boards and attends church in Apple Valley.
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Small Business Investor: She is a small business investor, leveraging her corporate communications and human resources experience.
Focus on Key Issues
Craig's legislative priorities reflect her commitment to various important issues.
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Infrastructure Investments: Craig prioritizes infrastructure investment for community development and economic growth.
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Career Skills and Technical Education: She advocates for career skills and technical education to prepare young people for 21st-century jobs.
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Healthcare Reform: Lowering healthcare costs and expanding access are significant priorities for Craig.
Family Background and Residence
Craig's background and residence reflect her values and commitment to her community.
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Family Background: Craig learned the value of hard work from her mother, a single mom who raised three children while earning her teaching degree.
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Residence: Craig and her wife lived in Eagan for nearly a decade before moving to Prior Lake in 2020.
Community Engagement and Legislative Achievements
Craig's engagement with her community and legislative achievements demonstrate her dedication to public service.
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Rotary Club Membership: Craig is a member of the Rotary Club, known for its community service efforts.
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Legislative Achievements: Craig has been involved in various bipartisan bills aimed at improving healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
Personal Challenges and Federal Support
Craig has faced personal challenges and worked to secure federal support for her district.
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Physical Assault Incident: On February 9, 2023, Craig was assaulted in her Washington, D.C., apartment building but managed to escape.
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Federal Grant Funding: Craig announced $330,750 in federal grant funding for Mega Stop Inc. in Lakeville to help lower costs and strengthen the local economy.
Environmental and Public Safety Efforts
Craig's efforts extend to environmental sustainability and public safety.
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Bipartisan Bill on E15: In September 2024, Craig led a bipartisan bill to make year-round E15 permanent.
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Support for Fire Departments: She announced nearly $9 million in federal funding to support fire departments in her district.
Fiscal Responsibility and Constituent Engagement
Craig's focus on fiscal responsibility and engagement with her constituents is evident.
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Preventing Improper Medicaid Payments: Craig's bipartisan bill to prevent improper Medicaid payments passed the House.
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Community Town Hall Meetings: Craig regularly holds town hall meetings to hear directly from her constituents.
Commitment to Public Service
Craig's dedication to public service is a testament to her enduring legacy in politics.
- Commitment to Public Service: From her early days as a journalist to her current role as a congresswoman, Craig has consistently worked towards making a positive impact on her community and the nation.
Angie Craig's Impact
Angie Craig's journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a trailblazing congresswoman is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to public service, advocacy for healthcare reform, and commitment to her community highlight her as a true leader. As the first openly LGBT+ member of Congress from Minnesota and the first lesbian mother in Congress, Craig has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her work on the Affordable Insulin Now Act, infrastructure investments, and support for career skills education showcases her focus on practical solutions for everyday Americans. Despite facing personal challenges, including a physical assault, Craig remains steadfast in her mission to serve her constituents. Her story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of representation in politics. Angie Craig continues to make a significant impact, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to meaningful change.
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