Kathy Manning

Kathy E. Manning is an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 6th congressional district from 2021 until 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Manning's district encompassed significant portions of the Piedmont Triad area, including cities such as Greensboro and High Point, as well as parts of Forsyth, Rockingham, and Caswell Counties. Throughout her congressional tenure, she focused on various legislative issues, particularly in health care, and was involved in significant events during her time in office, including the January 6 Capitol attack.

Early life and career

Kathy E. Manning was born on December 3, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, into a Jewish family. Her father had a long career with the Ford Motor Company, working there for four decades. Manning's early interests included music and drama, which she pursued at the Interlochen Center for the Arts's National Music Camp in Northern Michigan. She later attended Harvard University, where she earned her bachelor's degree and made a notable contribution by founding the Radcliffe Pitches, the first female a cappella group at the institution.

Following her undergraduate studies, Manning attended the University of Michigan Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. After completing her education, she began her legal career in Washington, D.C., practicing law for approximately five and a half years. In 1987, she relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, which is her husband's hometown, and continued her legal practice there for two decades. During this time, she became a partner at a prominent North Carolina law firm before establishing her own immigration law firm in 2002.

Manning's involvement in the Jewish community has been significant. She was the first woman to chair the board of the Jewish Federations of North America from 2009 to 2012 and served on the boards of various organizations, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Additionally, she was the founding board chair of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. In 2012, she spearheaded a ten-year initiative to develop the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, a major cultural venue in downtown Greensboro, showcasing her commitment to the arts and community development.

House tenure

Manning's political career in the U.S. House of Representatives began with her election in 2020. She initially ran for Congress in 2018 against Republican incumbent Ted Budd in North Carolina's 13th congressional district, which was considered to be a Republican stronghold. Despite her efforts, she lost the election, receiving 46% of the vote compared to Budd's 52%. However, a court-ordered redistricting in 2019 transformed the political landscape of North Carolina's congressional districts, leading to the creation of a more compact and Democratic-leaning 6th District.

In December 2019, shortly before the new district map was released, Manning announced her candidacy for the 6th District. The reconfigured district included all of Guilford County and parts of Forsyth County, making it significantly more favorable for Democratic candidates. Manning won the Democratic primary and subsequently defeated Republican nominee Lee Haywood in the general election, securing 62% of the vote. Upon her swearing-in on January 3, 2021, she made history as the first woman to represent the 6th District, the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1985, and the first Jewish person to serve in Congress from North Carolina.

Manning's first term in Congress coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unique challenges for lawmakers. Notably, she was present during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, where she was trapped in the House Chamber gallery for several hours before being rescued. This event marked a significant moment in her congressional career and highlighted the tumultuous political climate in the United States.

In the 2022 elections, Manning successfully won re-election against Republican challenger Christian Castelli, receiving 54% of the vote. The redistricting process following the 2020 census led to new congressional maps that were challenged in court due to accusations of partisan gerrymandering. Ultimately, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled against the initial maps, leading to the appointment of a bipartisan panel to create fairer districts. The approved maps altered the boundaries of the 6th District, maintaining its Democratic leanings while expanding its geographic coverage.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her tenure in the House, Manning focused on various legislative issues, with health care being a primary concern. Her personal experiences, particularly related to navigating the complexities of health insurance for her daughter's chronic illness, informed her advocacy in this area. Manning was known for her commitment to ensuring access to health care and addressing the challenges faced by families in similar situations.

One of her notable legislative initiatives was the introduction of the Right to Contraception Act, aimed at safeguarding the right to access and prescribe a full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods. This legislation was introduced in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the longstanding precedent of Roe v. Wade regarding abortion rights. Manning's efforts reflected her dedication to reproductive rights and health care access.

In terms of her voting record, Manning aligned closely with President Joe Biden's positions during her time in Congress. In the 117th Congress, she voted in accordance with Biden's stated positions 100% of the time, and in the 118th Congress, her alignment was approximately 84.9%. This voting pattern indicated her commitment to the Democratic Party's agenda and her support for the administration's policies.

Manning's congressional career came to an end on January 3, 2025, when her last term concluded. In December 2023, she announced that she would not seek re-election, citing concerns over newly drawn congressional districts in North Carolina, which she described as "egregiously gerrymandered." Following her departure from Congress, she was appointed chair of the board of directors of the Democratic Majority for Israel, an organization dedicated to supporting pro-Israel candidates and policies within the Democratic Party.