Patty Murray was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992 by waging an underdog campaign against a 10-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives. With the support of her family and friends she became the first woman to serve Washington State in the U.S. Senate.

Since gaining her seat, Senator Murray has worked tirelessly to support the needs and values of Washington State. She serves on the Appropriations, Budget, Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP), Veterans’ Affairs, and Rules and Administration Committees.

As the daughter of a disabled WWII veteran and the first woman to serve on the Senate’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Murray is a recognized leader in championing the cause of our nation’s veterans. Senator Murray has used her position on the HELP committee to promote increased access, affordability, and innovation in healthcare. She has placed particular emphasis on ensuring the integrity of FDA by working to increase drug safety, access, and that agency decisions remain rooted informed by science. She tirelessly advocates for and defends women’s access to needed healthcare services – including the right to reproductive choice. In the Senate, she has also used her position on the Budget Committee to improve and strengthen the long-term viability and health of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. As a native daughter of Washington State, Senator Murray has been inspired by the state’s beauty, diversity, and natural heritage to champion efforts to protect our environment and stop global warming.