Abby Finkenauer (99)

Abby Finkenauer is a Democratic politician from Iowa who formerly represented Iowa's 1st Congressional District . Born on December 27, 1988, in Dubuque, Iowa, she grew up in a working-class family in rural Iowa and became a first-generation college graduate. Notable achievements include being elected to the Iowa House at age 25 , becoming one of the first two women under 30 elected to Congress in 2018 , and serving as the first U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues at the State Department . She founded the Endometriosis Congressional Caucus, doubled NIH research funding for endometriosis, and advocated for infrastructure, small businesses, workers' rights, and women's health.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa; earned a B.A. in Public Relations and Business Studies from Drake University.
• Political Experience:
  • Iowa House of Representatives , representing Dubuque County; focused on equal pay, public education, infrastructure, voting rights, and reproductive health.
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Iowa's 1st District ; served as Democratic Caucus Assistant Whip, Vice Chair of Highways and Transit Subcommittee , and Chair of Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee ; youngest woman to pass a bill through the House.
  • Ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 .
  • U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, U.S. Department of State ; advocates for youth in global decision-making and U.S. diplomacy.