Angie Craig

Angela Dawn Craig is an American politician and member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 2nd congressional district. She has held this position since January 3, 2019, and her current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027. Craig is notable for being the first openly LGBT+ member of Congress from Minnesota and the first lesbian mother to serve in Congress. Her district encompasses a mix of suburban and rural areas in the southern part of the Twin Cities.

Early life and career

Angela Craig was born on February 14, 1972, in West Helena, Arkansas. She completed her high school education at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Following her graduation, Craig pursued higher education at the University of Memphis, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Her early career began in journalism, where she gained experience as an intern at The Commercial Appeal, eventually becoming a full-time reporter.

In the early 2000s, Craig relocated to London, where she lived from 2002 to 2005. Upon returning to the United States, she transitioned into corporate communications and human resources, working for St. Jude Medical from 2005 until 2017. This experience in both journalism and business provided her with a diverse skill set that would later inform her political career.

House tenure

Craig's political career began in earnest when she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, seeking to represent Minnesota's 2nd congressional district. She announced her candidacy prior to the retirement of Republican incumbent John Kline and faced no opposition in the Democratic primary. In the general election, she competed against Jason Lewis, a former conservative talk show host. Craig lost the election by a margin of fewer than 7,000 votes.

Undeterred, Craig sought a rematch against Lewis in the 2018 election. Once again, she was unopposed in the Democratic primary. In the general election, she successfully defeated Lewis, securing 52.6% of the vote and winning in three of the six counties within the district. This victory marked several milestones: Craig became the first woman elected to represent Minnesota's 2nd district, the first openly gay person elected to Congress from Minnesota, and the first openly lesbian mother to serve in Congress. She officially took office on January 3, 2019, becoming the first DFLer to represent the district since its reconfiguration in 2003.

Craig's tenure has included participation in multiple election cycles. In the 2020 election, she faced challenges from Republican nominee Tyler Kistner and a third-party candidate from the Legal Marijuana Now Party. Following the unexpected death of the third-party candidate, a legal battle ensued regarding the timing of the election. Ultimately, Craig's position was upheld, allowing the election to proceed as scheduled on November 3, 2020, where she won by a narrow margin.

In 2022, Craig and Kistner faced off again in a rematch, with Craig securing 51% of the vote. In the 2024 election, she achieved a notable victory against Republican nominee Joe Teirab, garnering 55.5% of the vote, marking the best performance for a DFL candidate in the district since 1998.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her time in Congress, Craig has focused on a range of legislative issues. According to the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, she held a Bipartisan Index Score of 0.3 in the 116th Congress, ranking her 114th out of 435 members. This score reflects her engagement with bipartisan initiatives and her overall voting patterns.

One of Craig's significant legislative efforts includes the introduction of the Affordable Insulin Now Act on February 25, 2022. This bill aimed to cap out-of-pocket insulin prices at $35 per month, addressing a critical issue for many constituents who struggle with the high costs of diabetes management. The bill successfully passed the House, highlighting Craig's commitment to healthcare affordability.

In addition to her legislative initiatives, Craig has also been involved in negotiations related to the federal budget. In September 2023, amid tensions within the Republican Party regarding spending cuts, she introduced the MCCARTHY Act, which proposed withholding pay for members of Congress during any government shutdown. This move was part of her broader efforts to ensure accountability and responsiveness to the needs of her constituents.

Craig serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Agriculture in the 119th Congress. In this role, she has the privilege of participating as an ex officio member in any subcommittee meetings, allowing her to influence agricultural policy discussions and decisions.

Beyond her committee assignments, Craig is a member of the Black Maternal Caucus, reflecting her commitment to addressing issues related to maternal health and equity. Her involvement in this caucus underscores her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting policies that support their well-being.

As she continues her service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Craig remains a prominent figure in Minnesota politics, with a focus on healthcare, agriculture, and social equity. Her journey from journalism and corporate communications to public office illustrates her multifaceted background and commitment to public service.