Angie Craig

Angie Craig graduated from the University of Memphis in 1988, where she earned a degree in journalism. Her education played a crucial role in shaping her career, as it provided her with foundational skills in communication and media. This background was instrumental in her subsequent roles in corporate communications and public relations. Craig's academic achievements and early career experiences contributed significantly to her political acumen and understanding of public policy.

In June 2013, Angie Craig joined St. Jude Medical as Vice President of Global Human Resources, a role she held until 2017. Her tenure at St. Jude Medical involved leading HR strategies on a global scale, focusing on employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. Her experience at a major healthcare company provided her with insights into the healthcare industry, which later influenced her policy-making perspectives during her congressional service.

Angie Craig ran for the United States Congress in Minnesota’s 2nd district in 2016, marking her entry into national politics, although she narrowly lost to Republican Jason Lewis. Despite her defeat, Craig’s campaign was notable for its advocacy on key Democratic issues such as healthcare and women’s rights. Her campaign laid the groundwork for her successful run in 2018. Craig’s efforts in 2016 highlighted her commitment to public service and resonated with many voters in her district.

In May 2017, Angie Craig left her position as Vice President of Global Human Resources at St. Jude Medical to pursue a career in politics. Her departure from the medical device company marked a strategic shift towards public service and her eventual candidacy for Congress. Craig’s move was motivated by a desire to address national issues like healthcare reform and women’s rights, which she prioritized in her subsequent political campaigns.

On November 6, 2018, Angie Craig was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time, representing Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district. She became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Minnesota. Craig’s election came during a wave of Democratic victories in the 2018 midterm elections, known as the 'Blue Wave,' which resulted in the Democrats regaining control of the House. Her campaign focused on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Angie Craig was sworn into the United States House of Representatives on January 3, 2019, becoming part of the historic 116th Congress, which saw a record number of women and minority representatives take office. Craig began her legislative work focusing on healthcare reform, education policy, and infrastructure development. Her entry into Congress signaled a shift toward progressive values in her district and contributed to the increasing diversity within the congressional representation from Minnesota.

Angie Craig won her second term in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 3, 2020, defeating Republican Tyler Kistner in Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district. The election was marked by its heated debates and high campaign financing on both sides. Craig continued to focus on critical issues such as healthcare, climate change, and social justice. Her re-election supported the Democrats' aims to preserve their control in the House amid a challenging political climate during the national elections.

In July 2021, Angie Craig introduced the Small Business Tax Equity Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at providing small businesses in the cannabis industry with the same tax benefits as other businesses. The act was designed to amend the federal tax code, which currently prohibits most tax deductions for cannabis-related businesses due to its classification as a controlled substance. This move was in line with Craig’s efforts to support economic growth and fairness in taxation for small businesses. The introduction of this bill highlights Craig’s legislative focus on equitable economic policies and her support for the burgeoning cannabis industry.

On November 8, 2022, Angie Craig was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district. She defeated her Republican challenger in a closely watched race. Craig’s campaign focused on her track record in office, healthcare reform, and economic growth. Her victory was part of the broader Democratic effort to retain control of the House, although Republicans ultimately gained a slim majority in this election cycle.

On February 9, 2023, Angie Craig was assaulted in an elevator at her Washington, D.C., apartment building. The unprovoked attack resulted in minor injuries to Craig, and the suspect was later arrested. Craig’s office stated that the assault did not appear to be politically motivated. The incident garnered national attention, highlighting concerns about violence and safety for members of Congress. Craig continued her duties shortly after the incident, emphasizing her resilience and dedication to public service.