50 Facts About Seth Moulton

Early Life and Education

Seth Moulton's journey began in Salem, Massachusetts, where he was born into a family that valued education and public service.

1. Seth Moulton was born on October 24, 1978, in Salem, Massachusetts.
2. His parents, Tom and Lynn Moulton, instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community.
3. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he developed a passion for physics and public service.
4. Moulton graduated from Harvard University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in physics.
5. He later pursued dual master's degrees in business and public administration at Harvard, completing them in 2011.

Military Service

Moulton's dedication to service extended beyond academics, leading him to join the United States Marine Corps.

6. Inspired by his mentor, Reverend Peter Gomes, Moulton joined the Marine Corps in 2001, just days after graduating college.
7. He served four tours in Iraq, including two as a special assistant to then-General David Petraeus.
8. Moulton received the Bronze Star Medal for valor and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for valor.
9. He co-hosted a television program called "Moulton and Mohammed" with his Iraqi interpreter, Mohammed Harba, discussing regional conditions.
10. Moulton was featured in the 2007 Academy Award-nominated documentary "No End in Sight," criticizing the U.S. government's handling of the Iraq occupation.

Entry into Politics

After his military service, Moulton transitioned into politics, bringing his leadership skills to the forefront.

11. In 2014, Moulton ran against nine-term incumbent John Tierney and won the primary with 50.8% of the vote.
12. He won the general election with 55.0% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Richard Tisei.
13. Moulton was elected to represent Massachusetts's 6th congressional district in 2014 and has been re-elected twice since.
14. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and China.
15. Moulton was named the Most Effective Freshman Democrat in his first term.

Legislative Achievements

Moulton has been instrumental in passing significant legislation that impacts both his district and the nation.

16. He created the 988 National Suicide Lifeline, now live in all 50 states.
17. Moulton delivered Faster Care for Veterans, modernized Government Travel, and ensured Disability Insurance for ALS patients.
18. He introduced the American High-Speed Rail Act, aiming to build a high-speed rail system in the U.S.
19. Moulton proposed the G.I. Bill Restoration Act to restore long-denied benefits to Black veterans of World War II.
20. His team has won more Democracy Awards from the Congressional Management Foundation than any other House or Senate office.

Community Work

Moulton's commitment to his community is evident through his various initiatives and support for local businesses.

21. He created a model intergovernmental task force that spurred over $1 billion in federal economic development funding for the city of Lynn.
22. Moulton forged a unique partnership between fishermen and scientists to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and the local fishing economy.
23. He works tirelessly to support local small businesses and veterans in his home district.
24. Moulton regularly meets with constituents, listens to their concerns, and works to address their needs.
25. His dedication to community engagement has earned him a reputation as a responsive and dedicated public servant.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Moulton's personal life reflects his values and dedication to service.

26. Moulton is a proud father of two girls, Emmy and Caroline.
27. His wife, Liz, is a sports industry executive, and they live in Salem, Massachusetts.
28. Before attending Harvard, Moulton played the organ in high school, showcasing his diverse interests.
29. He worked as an intern for Goldman Sachs in 2010.
30. Moulton served as the president of Eastern Healthcare Partners, Inc., a medical company addressing obesity and diabetes.

Presidential Campaign

Moulton's ambition led him to run for the highest office in the land, though his campaign faced challenges.

31. In 2019, Moulton announced his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
32. Despite traveling to early primary states, he never polled above 2% in any Democratic presidential opinion poll.
33. He suspended his campaign on August 23, 2019, and returned to his role in Congress.
34. During his presidential campaign, Moulton raised $1.2 million in the second fundraising quarter.
35. He ranked 17th in funds raised among 2020 candidates, directly behind Marianne Williamson and Tulsi Gabbard.

Key Issues and Policies

Moulton has been vocal about several key issues, advocating for policies that reflect his values and vision for the future.

36. He supports boosting troops and military spending while making smarter national security decisions.
37. Moulton advocates for cutting "massive weapons programs" and reinvesting that funding into other programs.
38. He believes in building new diplomatic alliances to counter threats from Russia and China.
39. Moulton supports comprehensive tax reform and increasing the federal minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2020.
40. He believes healthcare is a human right and supports improving the Affordable Care Act rather than adopting Medicare for All.

Veterans' Issues

As a veteran himself, Moulton is deeply committed to addressing the needs and concerns of fellow veterans.

41. He has been critical of the Department of Veterans Affairs' single-payer health care model.
42. Moulton supports improving veterans' healthcare services and ensuring fair compensation for their service.
43. He has established programs to help veterans transition back into civilian life.
44. Moulton works tirelessly to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
45. He has advocated for restoring long-denied benefits to Black veterans of World War II.

Environmental and Economic Policies

Moulton's policies reflect his commitment to addressing climate change and supporting economic development.

46. He was one of the first lawmakers to co-sponsor the Green New Deal in February 2019.
47. Moulton has proposed retooling the Green New Deal as a jobs package that also fights climate change.
48. He advocates for specific programs like a Federal Green Corps to retrofit buildings and make them more energy efficient.
49. Moulton has been instrumental in securing federal funding for economic development projects in his district.
50. His efforts have spurred over $1 billion in investments, benefiting local businesses and residents.

Seth Moulton: A Life of Service and Leadership

Seth Moulton's journey from Harvard to the U.S. Congress showcases his dedication to public service and leadership. With a background in physics, four tours in Iraq, and a commitment to veterans' rights, Moulton has made significant strides in both military and political arenas. His work on the House Armed Services Committee, advocacy for high-speed rail, and support for immigration reform highlight his diverse policy interests. Moulton's efforts to improve healthcare, support small businesses, and address climate change reflect his commitment to progressive values. Despite a brief presidential run, his impact remains strong in Massachusetts and beyond. Moulton's legacy is one of integrity, humility, and a relentless drive to make a difference. His story inspires a new generation of leaders, proving that dedication and hard work can lead to meaningful change.