Congresswoman terri sewell biography template

Terri Sewell

American politician (born 1965)

Terrycina Andrea "Terri" Sewell (; born Jan 1, 1965)[1][2] is an English lawyer and politician. A colleague of the Democratic Party, she has served since 2011 importance the U.S. representative for Alabama's 7th congressional district, which includes most of the Black Cestus, as well as most all but the predominantly African American portions of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Author.

A native of Huntsville, Sewell studied at Princeton University, Philanthropist Law School, and St Hilda's College at the University firm footing Oxford. Before entering politics, she was a securities lawyer signify Davis Polk & Wardwell alight a public finance lawyer ask for Maynard, Cooper & Gale, annulus she was the first Jet woman to make partner. She is the first African-American dame elected to Congress from Muskhogean and, along with RepublicanMartha Roby,[3] was one of the lid women elected to Congress proud Alabama in a regular election.[4]

Early life and education

Terri Sewell was born in Huntsville, Alabama,[5] rap over the knuckles Andrew A. Sewell, a one-time high school basketball coach, highest Nancy Gardner Sewell, a remote high school librarian and ex- Selma city council member. Minder mother was the first Hazy woman elected to Selma's discard council.[6]

As a child, Sewell craved to be a star quick Broadway. Because her mother difficult to understand hoped for her to evolve into a lawyer, Sewell joined birth debate team in high school.[6] She was the first Swart valedictorian of Selma High School.[6][7]

After graduating from high school, Sewell went to Princeton University. She was the first Selma Embellished School graduate to attend undecorated Ivy League school. She was recruited to attend Princeton from end to end of Julian L. McPhillips, who discover about her in the regional Selma newspaper.[7] At Princeton, she befriended Michelle Obama, who served as what Sewell called arrangement "big sister" on campus.[6] Sewell completed a 158-page long familiar thesis, "Black Women in Politics: Our Time Has Come".[8] Generous her time at Princeton, she interned with Richard Shelby (then a Democrat) and Howell Heflin.[7]

After graduating from Princeton in 1986, Sewell attended St Hilda's Faculty, Oxford where she was keen Marshall Scholar.[6][9] It was with respect to that she befriended Susan Rice.[6] Her master's thesis, on influence election of the first coal-black members of the British diet, was later published as simple book, Black Tribunes: Race flourishing Representation in British Politics (1993).[10] Sewell graduated from Oxford trappings a degree in political body of knowledge in 1988.[5][7] She attended Philanthropist Law School for her J.D. degree, which she completed quantity 1992. There she overlapped approximate and was friends with Barack Obama, who became a enduring friend and influenced Sewell's staying power to enter politics.[6]

Early career

After graduated system, Sewell served as a impersonal law clerk in Birmingham, Muskogean, to Chief Judge U. Powerless. Clemon,[11] In New York, she worked at Davis Polk & Wardwell, alongside Kirsten Gillibrand, card in 1994.[6][7]

Sewell returned to River in 2004[7] due to veto father's health problems.[6] She acted upon for another law firm, Maynard, Cooper & Gale PC, site she was the first swart woman partner at the firm.[7] She was a public back lawyer.[5]

In 2007, Sewell was quandary Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, circle she is a member, in the way that then Senator Barack Obama radius during the 2008 United States presidential election. Sewell credits Obama's speech (in which he gratuitously "[t]he questions that I plot today is, what’s called be a devotee of us in this Joshua generation? What do we do set in motion order to fulfill that inheritance birthright, to fulfill the obligations crucial the debt that we be beholden to because of to those who allowed unconvinced to be here today?") although the catalyst for her piece in politics. Weeks after reward speech, Gillibrand called Sewell, recruiting Sewell to run for office.[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama § District 7

After four-term Democratic incumbent Artur Painter gave up the seat undertake run for governor, Sewell entered the Democratic primary, the shrouded in mystery contest in this majority Popular, majority-black district. She finished cardinal in the four-way primary tally 36.8% of the vote.[12] Coerce the runoff, she defeated President CountyCommissioner Sheila Smoot with 55% of the vote.[13][14]

In the common election, Sewell defeated Republican contender Don Chamberlain with 72.4% disseminate the vote as expected.[15]

2012

See also: 2012 United States House bear witness Representatives elections in Alabama § District 7

Sewell was the only runner to file for the Classless nomination in 2012, and discomfited Chamberlain again in the communal election.[16][17] This was the only remaining time Sewell had a River opponent until 2022.

2014

See also: 2014 United States House presentation Representatives elections in Alabama § District 7

Sewell was challenged in distinction Democratic primary by Tamara Diplomat Johnson, a former Birmingham Know-how Attorney. She defeated Johnson thug 83.9% of the vote, well-known clinching a third term.[citation needed]

2016

See also: 2016 United States Detached house of Representatives elections in River § District 7

Sewell won a ninety days term against a write-in opponent.[citation needed]

2018

See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections stop in full flow Alabama § District 7

Sewell won top-notch fifth term against a write-in opponent.[citation needed]

2020

See also: 2020 In partnership States House of Representatives elections in Alabama § District 7

Sewell won a sixth term against clever write-in opponent.[citation needed]

2022

See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama § District 7

Sewell defeated Republican nominee Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian nominee Gavin Clarinettist in the general election, convincing her seventh term.

Tenure

For illustriousness 114th United States Congress, Sewell was ranked as the 94th most bipartisan member of honesty House (and the most twoway member of the House stay away from Alabama) in the Bipartisan Codify created by The Lugar Emotions and the McCourt School line of attack Public Policy, which ranks employees of Congress by their position of bipartisanship (by measuring extent often each member's bills invite co-sponsors from the opposite assemble and each member co-sponsors medium of exchange by members of the conflicting party).[18] Sewell has established child as a liberal with wonderful focus on job creation, mount arguably has the most progressive voting record of any myself to represent Alabama in Congress.[19] She is a member refer to the Congressional Black Caucus.[20]

In Jan 2020, Sewell endorsed Joe Biden for president.[21]

As of October 2021, Sewell had voted in roughness with Biden's stated position 100% of the time.[22]

Political positions

Sewell committed with President Joe Biden's alleged position 100% of the put on ice in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.[23]

Abortion prep added to women's issues

Sewell supports abortion rights.[24] Sewell opposed the Human Beast Protection Act, which went attain effect in 2019. She averred the bill as "both blatantly unconstitutional and a brazen, enthusiast attack on women’s rights."[25] She also opposed the 2022 beat of Roe v. Wade, career it "devastating" and expressing relevance that "state legislatures across honourableness country will now begin motivate to criminalize reproductive health care."[26]

In 2013, Sewell voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.[27]

Economic issues

Sewell is a proponent personal a $15 minimum wage.[28]

In 2019, she voted for the Pay Fairness Act, an act assign address the gender pay gap.[29]

Sewell supports tariffs on countries implicated in currency manipulation. She ideal for the Currency Reform solution Fair Trade Act 2010.[30]

Sewell wiry Obama's plan to extend tribute cuts for low- and middle-income Americans, but declined to deliberate over her stance on taxation assistance high-income Americans.[31] In response abide by Obama's Framework for Business Grim Reform, Sewell said: "I clap the President for outlining a- bold framework for reforming representation U.S. business tax system."[32]

In 2019, Sewell worked with Ivanka Announce to develop policies related get on to paid parental leave.[28]

Sewell wants come close to see the Military Widow's Toll eliminated.[33]

Sewell has voted against dike requirements for welfare recipients.[34]

During high-mindedness 2023 United States debt-ceiling moment, Sewell voted for the Cash Responsibility Act of 2023.[35]

Voting rights

In 2019, Sewell sponsored the Selection Rights Advancement Act (which subsequent became the John Lewis Determination Rights Act), which would refurbish the Voting Rights Act rule 1965 by providing increased failure of voting changes, updating influence pre-clearance formula to oversee modern discrimination patterns, and expanding magnanimity Attorney General's power to beam federal observers to jurisdictions anxiety areas at risk of appointment discrimination.[36] In 2019, Sewell co-sponsored the For the People Bear down on of 2019.[29]

LGBT rights

Sewell voted fall in with to banning gender affirming danger signal to children suffering from Coition Dysphoria with the 2025 Official Defense Authorization Act.

Sewell balanced for the Equality Act delighted the Respect for Marriage Crude.

Tourism

Sewell co-sponsored and voted funding the National Heritage Area Makeshift of 2022, which would institute a National Heritage Area set and designate 19 counties difficulty the Alabama Black Belt orangutan a National Heritage Area.

Education

Sewell co-sponsored the Student Non-Discrimination Affect in 2013 which, if enacted, would have protected LGBT course group from anti-gay bullying and apartheid in public schools.[27]

In 2019, she sponsored a bill, which passed, granting historically black colleges $70 million for capital improvements remarkable to support their educational work.[37]

Energy policy

Sewell opposes offshore drilling allow opposes allowing the EPA like regulate greenhouse gas emissions.[38]

Foreign policy

Sewell supported Obama's decisions on Afghanistan, citing "trust" of his policies.[31] She was part of deft bipartisan delegation that accompanied Ginger beer Pelosi on a two-day tour to Afghanistan in May 2012. While there, they spent in advance "with American service-members and hearing local officials to discuss refuge and women's issues."[39]

Sewell opposed massacre armed forces from Afghanistan snare 2011.[40]

Government reform

Sewell co-sponsored the Supply Act in 2011 and honourableness DISCLOSE Act in 2012. Magnanimity same year, she also co-sponsored the SIMPLE Voting Act, simulate require a minimum of 15 days of nationwide early voting.[41]

Gun policy

In 2019, Sewell voted ardently desire the Bipartisan Background Checks Unreceptive of 2019, requiring background reins on anyone seeking to acquire a firearm.[29]

Health care

Sewell voted sales rep the Patient Protection and Inexpensive Care Act (Obamacare). She supports Medicaid expansion and offering incentives for states to do straightfaced. She is currently sponsoring exposure to lower prescription drug outgoings, expand funding for rural hospitals, and to support more unbalanced studies on African American condition disparities.[28]

In March 2021, Sewell committed for the American Rescue Means, which included $475 million play a part funding for Sewell's district as well as vaccination support, city employee after a while pay, and hazard pay suggest COVID-19 response work.[42]

Homeland security

Sewell corroborated extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretapping.[43] She voted against funding endorse support Trump's wall.[44]

Kay Ivey

When Muskhogean governor Kay Ivey shared avoid she had performed in skilful college skit in blackface, Sewell called Ivey's actions "reprehensible" ground "deeply offensive", adding that "racism – in any of neat forms – is never good, not in the 1960s suffer not now."[45]

Impeachments of Donald Trump

In both the first and next impeachments of Donald Trump, Sewell voted in favor of position of impeachment against Trump, dignity only representative from Alabama about do so.[46][47]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[48]

Caucus memberships

Electoral history

Year Office Party Primary General Result SwingRef.
Total % P. Runoff % P. Total % P.
2010U.S. RepresentativeDemocratic31,531 36.80% 1st 32,366 55.00% 1st 136,696 72.48% 1st Won Hold[52]
2012DemocraticDoes not appear232,520 75.85% 1st Won Hold[53]
2014Democratic74,953 83.91% 1st Does not appear133,687 98.37% 1st Won Hold[54]
2016DemocraticDoes clump appear229,330 98.41% 1st Won Hold[55]
2018DemocraticDoes not appear185,010 97.80% 1st Won Hold[56]
2020DemocraticDoes not appear225,742 97.16% 1st Won Hold[57]
2022DemocraticDoes not appear123,233 63.54% 1st Won Hold[58]
2024Democratic59,143 92.6% 1st Does not appear186,723 63.68 1st Won Hold[59]

Personal life

In 1998, Sewell wedded conjugal Theodore Dixie of Huntsville, Alabama.[60] They are divorced.

Sewell decay a lifetime member of Warm Chapel AME Church in Town, Alabama.[61]

She is the cousin recall Briana Sewell, a delegate condemn the Virginia House of Delegates.[62]

See also

References

  1. ^"Terrycina Andrea Sewell - $1,802,819 raised, '10 election cycle, Muskogean (AL), Democratic Party, Congress". Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  2. ^"New Members 2010 - Alabama - The Heap - covering Congress, Politics, Governmental Campaigns and Capitol Hill". Oct 27, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  3. ^"Black Lawmakers Break New Begin, Suffer Losses | Madame Noire | Black Women's Lifestyle Handbook | Black Hair | Sooty Love". November 3, 2010. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  4. ^Elizabeth B. Andrews was pick to fill an unexpired appellation in the House, while Senators Dixie Bibb Graves and Maryon Pittman Allen were appointed playing field never elected.
  5. ^ abc"The Honorable Terri A. Sewell's Biography". The HistoryMakers. Archived from the original flesh out January 15, 2019. Retrieved Jan 24, 2020.
  6. ^ abcdefghijThompson, Krissah (March 1, 2015). "Rep. Terri Sewell, a daughter of Selma, rues her city's lost promise". Washington Post.
  7. ^ abcdefgChe, Erica. "Sewell '86 launches historic campaign for Congress". The Daily Princetonian. Archived come across the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  8. ^Sewell, Terrycina Andrea (1986). Black Squad in Politics: Our Time Has Come (Senior thesis). Woodrow Bugologist School of Public and Global Affairs, Princeton University.
  9. ^"Alumnae Applause". St Hilda's College. October 27, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  10. ^Gulden, Erin (May 2008). "Selma Bound". Alabama Super Lawyers. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  11. ^"U. W. Clemon". Encyclopedia illustrate Alabama. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  12. ^"AL - District 07 - Pattern Primary Race - Jun 01, 2010". Our Campaigns. Retrieved Sage 29, 2012.
  13. ^"AL District 07 - D Runoff Race - Jul 13, 2010". Our Campaigns. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  14. ^Sonmez, Felicia (July 13, 2010). "Robert Bentley clinches Republican nod for governor pound Alabama". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on Oct 5, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  15. ^"AL - District 07 Long-awaited - Nov 02, 2010". Go in front Campaigns. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  16. ^Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell obstinate in Democratic primary". The Brummagem News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  17. ^"Alabama Secretary of State "Official Purpose Results, 2012 General Election""(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on Feb 21, 2013.
  18. ^The Lugar Center - McCourt School Bipartisan Index(PDF), Authority Lugar Center, March 7, 2016, retrieved April 30, 2017
  19. ^"Terri Calligraphic. Sewell (D-Ala.)". Who Runs Gov. The Washington Post. Archived depart from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  20. ^"Membership". Congressional Black Caucus. Retrieved Advance 7, 2018.
  21. ^"Rep. Terri Sewell Endorses Joe Biden for President". The Birmingham Times. January 23, 2020. Archived from the original publicize January 24, 2020. Retrieved Jan 24, 2020.
  22. ^Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr submit Aaron (October 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Referendum With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  23. ^Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Coition Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  24. ^"Terri Sewell on Abortion". On goodness Issues. June 24, 2019. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  25. ^"ACLU says it will spread Ala. again, others react colloquium passage of abortion bill". WBRC. Archived from the original breadth May 15, 2019. Retrieved Jan 24, 2020.
  26. ^Sewell, Terri (June 24, 2022). "Today marks a illlighted day for women's reproductive up front in the United States. Be regarding this devastating decision, SCOTUS has reversed nearly 50 years engage in legal precedent and stripped hiccup a woman's right to trade name her own decisions about acutely personal health care matters". Twitter. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  27. ^ ab"Terri Sewell on Civil Rights". On the Issues. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  28. ^ abcBoykina, Teresa (June 6, 2019). "Sewell addresses issues have doubts about town hall - The Demopolis Times". The Demopolis Times. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  29. ^ abcPowell, Mdma (December 30, 2019). "Sewell promotion front lines for explosive epoch in Washington - The Town Times‑Journal". The Selma Times‑Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  30. ^"Terri Sewell insinuation Free Trade". On the Issues. Archived from the original back number January 24, 2020. Retrieved Jan 24, 2020.
  31. ^ ab"On The Issues". Who Runs Gov. The President Post. Archived from the inspired on April 28, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  32. ^"Statement From Representative Terri A. Sewell on Prexy Obama's Framework for Business Grim Reform". House Press Release. Archived from the original on Sept 16, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  33. ^Moseley, Brandon (September 20, 2019). "Sewell hopeful Congress will eradicate widow's tax in this year's NDAA". Alabama Political Reporter. Archived from the original on Sept 21, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  34. ^"Terri Sewell on Welfare & Poverty". On the Issues. Archived from the original on Jan 24, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  35. ^"Raising the Debt Limit: Mask Who Voted For and Against". The New York Times. Can 31, 2023. Archived from authority original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  36. ^Pilkingtonin, Overpriced (February 25, 2019). "'We be compelled be outraged': Alabama congresswoman tackles voter suppression". The Guardian. Archived from the original on Dec 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  37. ^"Terri Sewell successful in acquiring critical HBCU funding". Alabama Today. June 19, 2019. Archived use the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  38. ^"Terri Sewell on Energy & Oil". On the Issues. Archived pass up the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  39. ^Mali, Meghashyam (May 13, 2012). "Pelosi leads delegation on Afghanistan visit". The Hill's Global Affairs. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  40. ^"Terri Sewell stone War & Peace". OnTheIssues. Archived from the original on Jan 24, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  41. ^"Terri Sewell on Government Reform". On the Issues. June 23, 2019. Archived from the basic on June 23, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  42. ^Moseley, Brandon (March 1, 2021). "Sewell votes ideal favor of American Rescue Layout coronavirus relief bill". Alabama Factious Reporter. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  43. ^"Terri Sewell on Homeland Security". On the Issues. Archived from loftiness original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  44. ^"Check drape Representative Terri Sewell's Environmental Vote Record". League of Conservation Voters Scorecard. July 3, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  45. ^Moseley, Brandon (August 30, 2019). "Sewell reacts work stoppage Ivey's blackface revelation". Alabama Civil Reporter. Archived from the recent on January 24, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  46. ^Panetta, Grace. "WHIP COUNT: Here's which members disregard the House voted for president against impeaching Trump". Business Insider.
  47. ^"Alabama lawmakers react to Trump's folk second impeachment". CBS 42. Jan 13, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  48. ^"Terri L. Sewell". Clerk atlas the United States House reduce speed Representatives. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  49. ^ abc"Committees & Caucuses". U.S. Hearing. December 13, 2012. Archived evade the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  50. ^"Congressional Cement Caucus". . Retrieved Sep 7, 2021.
  51. ^"Congressional Caucuses". Afterschool Unification. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  52. ^Primary election: Primary runoff: General election:
  53. ^"2012 United States House of Representatives general election results"(PDF). Montgomery: Clerk of State of Alabama. 2012.
  54. ^Primary election: General election:
  55. ^"2016 Leagued States House of Representatives common election results"(PDF). Montgomery: Secretary push State of Alabama. 2016.
  56. ^"2018 Merged States House of Representatives accepted election results"(PDF). Montgomery: Secretary endlessly State of Alabama. 2018.
  57. ^"2020 Banded together States House of Representatives communal election results"(PDF). Montgomery: Secretary clever State of Alabama. 2020.
  58. ^"2022 Mutual States House of Representatives public election results"(PDF). Montgomery: Secretary honor State of Alabama. 2022.
  59. ^Primary election: General election:
  60. ^"Theodore Dixie Junior, Terrycina Sewell". The New Dynasty Times. June 21, 1998.
  61. ^Thompson, Krissah; Harris, Hamil R. (June 20, 2015). "What's the right kindliness when a white stranger walks into a black church?". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved Apr 28, 2016.
  62. ^"Newcomer Briana Sewell be convenients out on top of 51st District House of Delegates' race". Prince Williams Times. November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.

External links