COMMITTEES

United States Representative

BIRTH

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ABOUT

Biography

Marilyn Strickland, born on September 25, 1962, in Seoul, South Korea, serves as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 10th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Pierce and Thurston Counties. She is a member of the Democratic Party and holds the distinction of being the first African-American to represent Washington State at the federal level, as well as one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

Raised in Tacoma, Washington, Strickland's career spans both public service and the private sector. She served two terms as the Mayor of Tacoma from 2010 to 2017, where she prioritized education, infrastructure, and job growth. Under her leadership, Tacoma's high school graduation rate increased from 55% to 89%. Following her mayoral tenure, she became the President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, focusing on equitable and inclusive economic development.

In Congress, Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Pro-Choice Caucus. In December 2024, she was elected Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 119th Congress.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Washington
• Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University, a Historically Black College and University

Political Experience

• U.S. Representative for Washington's 10th Congressional District
  • Serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Elected Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 119th Congress
• Mayor of Tacoma
  • Led efforts to increase high school graduation rates from 55% to 89%
  • Advocated for infrastructure improvements and job growth
• Member of Tacoma City Council
• President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
  • Focused on equitable and inclusive economic development

Throughout her career, Strickland has been a proponent of education reform, infrastructure development, and economic equity, striving to create opportunities for all constituents in her district.

OFFICES HELD

United States Representative from United States