New York state Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is running for re-election in 2018. If elected, it will her second full term in the senate.
Background and Achievements
A Dartmouth and University of California, Los Angeles Law School graduate, Kirsten Gillibrand was inspired to get involved in politics after listening to Hillary Clinton speak at the Women’s Leadership Forum. As a young and successful attorney, Gillibrand took on multiple pro bono cases defending abused women and their children. In 2006, Gillibrand won her campaign for House Representative of New York’s 20th congressional district against three-term Republican incumbent John E. Sweeney. She shocked the media when she became the first congresswoman to post her daily schedule and personal financial disclosure.
In 2009, Gillibrand was appointed by Governor Patterson to fill the Senate seat for New York vacated by Hillary Clinton in order to serve as Secretary of State for Former President Barack Obama. Gillibrand then ran for the seat in 2010 and won with 63% of the vote. She was re-elected in 2012 with 72% of the vote. As a Senator, Gillibrand was, and continues to be, a fierce advocate for women and families. She introduced the FAMILY Act for paid family leave, was a vocal fighter against the Pentagon’s treatment of sexual assault cases in the military, and led the fight to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” which barred LGBT Americans from serving in the armed forces. Senator Gillibrand also started the Off the Sidelines Project, which aims to encourage women to make themselves heard whether through advocacy, leadership, or running for office. She currently sits on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Special Committee on Aging.
Positions on Key Issues
- Champion of women's rights and reproductive rights
- Voted no against Trumpcare in all of its forms
- Supporter of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage
- Supporter of Afghan women’s human rights
- Pro environment voting record
- Advocate for pay equity
- Advocate for education equity
- Supporter of Medicare For All
Prospects & Opponents
Senator Gillibrand’s re-election prospects are extremely high. Current challengers include Republican David Webber and Republican Rafael Arden Jones Sr.