Kim Schrier

Kim Schrier is an American politician and physician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 8th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held this office since her election in 2018. Schrier's district encompasses suburban areas east of Seattle and extends across the Cascade Range to include rural regions in central Washington, as well as the cities of Wenatchee and Ellensburg. Her background as a pediatrician informs her legislative priorities, particularly in healthcare.

Early life and career

Born on August 23, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, Kim Schrier grew up in a family that valued education and community service. She completed her secondary education at Palisades Charter High School before pursuing higher education at the University of California, Berkeley. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in astrophysics, graduating with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Following her undergraduate studies, Schrier attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Medicine degree. She furthered her medical training with a residency at Stanford University School of Medicine, specializing in pediatrics.

Schrier's professional career as a pediatrician began in Ashland, Oregon, where she practiced for one year. In 2001, she joined Virginia Mason Medical Center in Issaquah, Washington. During her time at Virginia Mason, Schrier became increasingly involved in political advocacy, particularly focusing on healthcare issues. Her experiences as a physician and her concerns regarding healthcare policy were pivotal in shaping her political ambitions. In 2017, motivated by dissatisfaction with the handling of the Affordable Care Act and the political climate following the 2016 elections, Schrier decided to run for public office.

House tenure

Schrier announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in August 2017, initially intending to challenge the incumbent, Dave Reichert. However, following Reichert's announcement of retirement in September 2017, Schrier's campaign gained momentum as she sought to represent Washington's 8th congressional district. Her campaign emphasized the expansion of Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, aligning with the Democratic Party's broader goals.

The 2018 election cycle was notable for its high spending, with Schrier's campaign and her opponent's campaign collectively raising significant funds, making it one of the most expensive congressional races in Washington state history. Schrier advanced from the top-two primary, where she narrowly defeated attorney Jason Rittereiser, and subsequently faced Republican candidate Dino Rossi in the general election. Despite the challenges posed by a competitive race and negative campaigning, Schrier won the election, securing approximately 52% of the vote.

Following her initial victory, Schrier successfully ran for re-election in 2020, where she again advanced from the top-two primary and faced Jesse Jensen, a Republican candidate. She won this election with approximately 51.7% of the vote. In 2022, Schrier continued her tenure by defeating Republican nominee Matt Larkin with 53.3% of the vote, solidifying her position in a district that was considered one of the most competitive in the state. In the 2024 election cycle, Schrier again advanced from the top-two primary and won re-election against Republican Carmen Goers with 54.0% of the vote.

Schrier was sworn into office on January 3, 2019, marking the beginning of her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her tenure, she has maintained a voting record that aligns closely with the Democratic Party's positions, particularly during the Biden administration, where she voted in line with the president's stated positions consistently.

Legislative focus and committees

During her time in Congress, Schrier has focused on a range of legislative issues, with a particular emphasis on healthcare, education, and environmental policies. Her medical background as a pediatrician informs her approach to healthcare legislation, and she has been an advocate for policies that aim to expand access to healthcare services.

In the 116th Congress, Schrier served on the Committee on Education and Labor as well as the Committee on Agriculture. Her committee assignments reflect her interests in both educational initiatives and agricultural policies, which are significant to her constituents. As of June 2023, she was serving on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which includes subcommittees focused on health, commerce, manufacturing, and trade, as well as energy.

Schrier is also a member of several caucuses that align with her legislative priorities. These include the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Congressional Equality Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition, where she chairs the Farm Bill Task Force. Additionally, she co-chairs the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition's Climate and Agriculture Task Force and the Congressional Doctors Caucus. Her involvement in these caucuses underscores her commitment to addressing issues related to health equity, environmental sustainability, and agricultural policy.

In her personal life, Schrier resides in Sammamish, Washington, with her husband, David Gowing, and their son. She has Type 1 diabetes, a condition that she has managed throughout her life, and her family's background includes Jewish immigrants from Europe who arrived in the United States prior to World War II. Schrier's diverse experiences and professional background continue to shape her legislative priorities as she serves her constituents in Washington's 8th congressional district.