# Rashida Tlaib

> Rashida Tlaib is a groundbreaking American politician and lawyer serving as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 12th Congressional District since 2019. Born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents as the eldest of 14 children, she made history as the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress and one of the first two Muslim women in the House. A founding member of 'The Squad' progressive coalition, Tlaib champions working-class issues, economic justice, and human rights with authentic grassroots energy. From raising her 13 siblings while her parents worked Ford assembly lines to fighting for the unhoused, higher wages, and accountability, she brings Detroit grit and moral clarity to Washington.

- **Role:** U.S. Representative for Michigan's 12th Congressional District
- **Organizations:** U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic Party, The Squad (progressive coalition), Michigan House of Representatives (2009-2014)
- **From:** Detroit, Michigan, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** High School Diploma, Southwestern High School, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Wayne State University, Juris Doctor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Western Michigan University)
- **Known for:** First Palestinian American woman elected to U.S. Congress, One of the first two Muslim women elected to U.S. Congress (alongside Ilhan Omar), First Muslim woman elected to Michigan state legislature

## Career timeline

- **2004** — Interned with Michigan State Representative Steve Tobocman
- **2007** — Hired to staff of majority floor leader Steve Tobocman; admitted to Michigan bar
- **2008** — Elected to Michigan House of Representatives, first Muslim woman in the body
- **2009-2014** — Served three terms in Michigan House of Representatives
- **2018** — Elected to U.S. House of Representatives, making history as first Palestinian American woman in Congress
- **2019** — Sworn into Congress representing Michigan's 13th district, co-founding 'The Squad'
- **2023** — Began representing Michigan's newly redrawn 12th Congressional District
- **2024** — Won third term with over 69% of the vote
- **2026** — Declared candidacy for Democratic primary; announced bill to halt billionaire subsidies

## Achievements

- First Palestinian American woman elected to U.S. Congress
- One of the first two Muslim women elected to U.S. Congress (alongside Ilhan Omar)
- First Muslim woman elected to Michigan state legislature
- Founding member of 'The Squad' progressive coalition
- Introduced the BOOST Act to address poverty and provide relief for working-class families
- Introduced the Unhoused Persons Bill of Rights
- Won reelection in 2024 with over 69% of the vote
- Championed Green Jobs Act and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit
- Co-introduced resolution recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
- Passed Wabeno Economic Development Act 410-1 in July 2025

## Latest updates

- **2026-02** — Announced plans to introduce bill halting subsidies and tax advantages for billionaires
- **2025-07** — Wabeno Economic Development Act passed 410-1
- **2025-03** — Called for sanctions and arms embargo against Israel following attacks on Gaza Strip
- **2024-11** — Won reelection to third term with over 69% of the vote
- **2024-08** — Ran unopposed in Democratic primary for Michigan's 12th District

## Links

- Website: https://tlaib.house.gov/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashida-tlaib
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RashidaTlaib
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashidatlaib/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepRashida/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/rashida-tlaib
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-03