Sharice Davids

On August 7, 2018, Sharice Davids won the Democratic primary for Kansas's 3rd Congressional District, setting the stage for her historic election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her primary victory was seen as a significant achievement, as she was a political newcomer facing a crowded field of candidates. Davids's campaign focused on healthcare reform, improving public education, and advocating for civil rights. Her success in the primary was bolstered by grassroots support and endorsements from several progressive organizations. The primary win established Davids as a formidable candidate and set up her eventual victory against the Republican incumbent in the general election.

Sharice Davids made history by being elected as one of the first two Native American women to serve in the U.S. Congress. Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, won her race in Kansas's 3rd congressional district, defeating incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder. Her win was part of a broader wave of Democratic victories in the House of Representatives during the 2018 midterm elections. As an openly gay Native American woman, her election was seen as a significant moment for representation and diversity in American politics.

On January 3, 2019, Sharice Davids was sworn into the 116th United States Congress, marking her first term in office as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 3rd congressional district. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Davids was part of a new wave of representatives emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, as she was one of the first Native American women in Congress and openly identified as LGBTQ+. Her presence in Congress was seen as a major step towards greater representation for underrepresented groups in American politics.

On July 10, 2019, Sharice Davids delivered her first speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and supporting policies that would benefit working families. Davids highlighted specific needs within her district, including improvements to transportation systems and increased funding for public education. Her speech was part of her ongoing efforts to address local and national issues through legislative action. Davids’s first floor speech was noted for its focus on practical solutions and her commitment to serving the interests of her constituents.

On September 25, 2019, Sharice Davids gave a powerful speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). She emphasized the need for stronger protections and resources for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Davids, drawing on her legal background and advocacy work, highlighted the importance of addressing violence in Native American communities and the need for inclusive policies that take into account the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. Her speech was part of a broader effort by lawmakers to renew and expand VAWA.

In the 2020 general election, Sharice Davids was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives, successfully defending her seat in Kansas's 3rd congressional district against Republican challenger Amanda Adkins. Her victory affirmed her constituents' approval of her performance in her first term, particularly her focus on healthcare, economic recovery, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Davids's reelection was considered important for maintaining Democratic control in the House and was celebrated by progressive groups advocating for diverse representation.

On January 3, 2021, Sharice Davids was sworn into her second term in the 117th Congress. Davids continued her work as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business. During her second term, she advocated for infrastructure improvements, coronavirus relief measures, and policies aimed at supporting small businesses and workers. Her ongoing representation of a diverse district highlighted the evolving political landscape in Kansas and reinforced the importance of inclusivity in legislative priorities.

Sharice Davids supported the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The act was a sweeping economic relief package designed to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It included direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution. Davids advocated for key provisions that would benefit her district, including aid for small businesses, schools, and healthcare providers. Her support for the act was part of her broader commitment to economic recovery and public health measures during the crisis. The legislation was a central part of the Biden administration’s response to the pandemic.

Sharice Davids was one of the key supporters of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law on August 16, 2022. The act aimed to address various economic challenges, including healthcare costs, tax reforms, and energy policies. Davids advocated for provisions in the bill that would lower prescription drug prices and invest in clean energy. Her support for the act reflected her commitment to tackling inflation and providing economic relief to her constituents in Kansas. The act was regarded as a significant legislative achievement for the Biden administration and its allies in Congress, with potential long-term impacts on economic policy.

Sharice Davids strongly supported legislative efforts to protect reproductive rights following the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. On June 24, 2023, Davids reaffirmed her support for policies that safeguard access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. She expressed concern about the implications of the ruling for women’s rights and healthcare access in Kansas and across the nation. Davids called for federal protections and highlighted the importance of preserving bodily autonomy and ensuring that healthcare decisions remain between women and their doctors. Her advocacy positioned her as a leading voice in the fight to protect reproductive rights.