Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Cathy McMorris Rodgers is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 5th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Republican Party, she served as the Chair of the House Republican Conference from 2013 to 2019, the highest-ranking woman in Congress at the time, and became Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2023. Her district, which includes Spokane and much of eastern Washington, is one of the largest agricultural producers in the nation.

Early life and education

Cathy McMorris was born in Salem, Oregon, and grew up working on her family's fruit orchard in Kettle Falls. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law from Pensacola Christian College in Florida before returning to the Pacific Northwest to complete a Master of Business Administration at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her early career included work for Representative George Nethercutt and as a manager at her family's agribusiness, experiences that shaped her political focus on rural development and small business issues.

Political career

McMorris Rodgers served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1994 to 2005, eventually becoming the House Minority Leader for the state legislature. She was first elected to the United States Congress in the 2004 election, succeeding George Nethercutt. In the House, she served on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, rising to Ranking Member before becoming its Chair following the 2022 Republican takeover. From 2013 to 2019, she led the House Republican Conference under Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, playing a key role in party messaging and strategy.

Political positions

A conservative Republican, McMorris Rodgers has a voting record aligned with the Republican Study Committee. She is a strong advocate for deregulation, energy independence—particularly hydropower from the Columbia River system—and expanding domestic production of natural gas and critical minerals. She co-sponsored the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and has been a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act, advocating for health savings account expansions. On social issues, she holds pro-life views, supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and has advocated for policies supporting people with disabilities, influenced by her son's Down syndrome. She has been critical of the Biden administration's climate and technology policies, particularly regarding the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Communications Commission.

Electoral history

McMorris Rodgers first won Washington's 5th congressional district in 2004 with 60% of the vote against Democrat Don Barbieri. She was re-elected comfortably in subsequent cycles, typically earning over 55% of the vote against challengers including Joe Pakootas and Dave Wilson. Her most competitive race was in 2018, where she defeated Democrat Lisa Brown with 55% to 45%. She won the 2022 election unopposed by a major party candidate.

Personal life

She is married to Brian Rodgers, a retired United States Navy commander, and they have three children. Their eldest child has Down syndrome, which led McMorris Rodgers to champion legislation like the ABLE Act and to serve on the board of the National Down Syndrome Society. The family resides in Spokane, and she is a member of the Calvary Chapel denomination. An avid runner, she has participated in the Bloomsday Run in Spokane.

Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Washington (state) Category:Washington (state) Republicans