Nan Hayworth

Nan A. S. Hayworth is a former U.S. Representative who served New York's 19th congressional district as a member of the Republican Party. Elected in 2010, Hayworth was notable for being the only female physician in Congress during her tenure. She focused primarily on fiscal issues and was involved in various legislative efforts related to budget and spending. After one term in office, her congressional career ended in 2013 following a defeat in the elections.

Early life and career

Nan Alison Sutter was born on December 14, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Munster, Indiana, in a family with a strong military background, as both of her parents were World War II veterans. Her mother, Sarah Margaret Badley, immigrated to the United States from England in 1948. Hayworth completed her secondary education at Munster High School before pursuing higher education at Princeton University, where she earned an A.B. in biology in 1981. During her time at Princeton, she completed a senior thesis that examined the development of a specific type of slime mold, showcasing her interest in scientific research.

Following her undergraduate studies, Hayworth attended Cornell University Medical College, where she obtained her medical degree. She subsequently completed her residency in ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. After beginning her career in a solo practice, she joined the Mount Kisco Medical Group in 1996, where she continued to work as an ophthalmologist. Her medical background and experience in healthcare would later influence her political career.

House tenure

Hayworth's political career began when she successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. In the Republican primary held on September 14, 2010, she defeated Neil DiCarlo with a significant majority of the vote. In the general election, she faced Democratic incumbent John Hall and won with 53% of the vote. Her election was part of a broader trend in which many Republican candidates, including a notable number of physicians, sought congressional seats during that election cycle.

During her time in Congress, Hayworth represented New York's 19th congressional district, which included parts of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam Counties. The district had a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+3, indicating a slight Republican lean. In 2012, due to redistricting following the 2010 census, Hayworth ran for reelection in the newly designated 18th congressional district. This district included a significant portion of her previous constituency, but she ultimately lost to Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney, receiving 48% of the vote to Maloney's 52%. Hayworth attempted to reclaim her seat in a rematch during the 2014 elections but was again defeated, this time with a close vote split of 47.66% to 45.88%.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her congressional tenure, Hayworth concentrated on fiscal issues, often aligning herself with the Republican Party's broader economic agenda. She was known for her opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and generally resisted calls for increased gun control measures. In November 2011, she endorsed Mitt Romney for the presidency, further solidifying her alignment with the party's leadership.

Hayworth's legislative actions included a focus on budgetary matters. She voted in favor of significant budget-related legislation, such as the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011. She also supported Paul Ryan's budget proposals, describing him as a mentor for House Republicans. In response to Hurricane Irene in 2011, she advocated for disaster relief funding and emphasized the need for budget offsets for any additional federal spending.

During her time in Congress, Hayworth served on the Committee on Financial Services, where she participated in various subcommittees, including those focused on capital markets, domestic monetary policy, and oversight investigations. Her committee assignments allowed her to engage in discussions and decisions regarding financial regulation and economic policy.

In terms of fundraising, Hayworth faced challenges, including a significant campaign debt. Her fundraising efforts attracted contributions primarily from industries related to healthcare, securities, and investment. Notable contributors included the Mount Kisco Medical Group, Vestar Capital Partners, and Elliott Management.

In her personal life, Hayworth met her husband, Scott Hayworth, while attending Princeton University. He is a prominent figure in the medical community, serving as the president and CEO of the Mount Kisco Medical Group and holding academic positions at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The couple married in 1981 and has two sons. Hayworth is also involved in her community through her membership in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and her participation on the board of a political action committee focused on conservative environmental issues.

Nan A. S. Hayworth's career reflects her dual commitment to medicine and public service, as well as her engagement with fiscal policy during her time in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her tenure was marked by a focus on budgetary issues and a moderate approach to social matters, which distinguished her in a politically diverse landscape.