Biography
Patty Murray assumed office as Washington's United States senator in January 1993, becoming the state's first female senator. Murray was also the first female chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first female chair of the Senate Budget Committee. On Jan. 3, 2023, Murray became the first woman to be elected Senate president pro tempore, placing her third in the line of presidential succession.
Murray was born October 11, 1950, in Bothell, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education. Prior to entering politics, she taught at Shoreline Community College and was a citizen lobbyist for environmental and educational issues.
From 1985-1989, Murray served on the Shoreline School Board, serving as president and legislative representative for two terms. In 1988, Murray was elected to the Washington State Senate, serving until her election to the U.S. Senate.
For more information on Murray's policy subject areas, committee appointments and sponsored/co-sponsored legislation in the U.S. Senate, please visit her profile on https://www.congress.gov.
Sources:
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (n.d.). Murray, Patty (1950-). Retrieved on May 12, 2020, from https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=M001111.
McNamee, G. L. (n.d.). Patty Murray: United States Senator. In Britannica. Retrieved on May 12, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patty-Murray.
Murray, P. (n.d.) About Patty. Retrieved on May 12, 2020, from https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/aboutpatty.Speeches
- Response to Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Leak - May 3, 2022
- Betsy DeVos Nomination Vote, Part 1 - Jan. 31, 2017
- Opening Remarks in the Betsy DeVos Senate Confirmation Hearing - Jan. 17, 2017
- Democratic Women of the Senate at the 2016 Democratic National Convention - July 28, 2016
- Global Gag Rule - April 5, 2005
- Remembering Dr. King's Struggle - Jan. 20, 2005
- Domestic Violence Prevention Amendment - March 25, 2004
- Remarks at Alliance for Excellent Education Conference - Nov. 17, 2003
- Boeing Refueling Tankers by the Air Force - Dec. 7, 2001