Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard INDIndependent

United States Representative from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021

Profile Photo
Tulsi GabbardINDIndependent United States Representative from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021
43
Years of Age
12
Years of Experience
HIResidence (state)

Tulsi Gabbard (TUL-see GAB-ərd; born April 12, 1981) is an American politician, United States Army Reserve officer and political commentator, who was the U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. Gabbard was the first Samoan-American to become a voting member of Congress and also its first Hindu member. She was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 United States presidential election, before announcing in October 2022 that she had left the Democratic Party to become an independent.In 2002, Gabbard was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives at the age of 21. Gabbard served in a field medical unit of the Hawaii Army National Guard while deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and was stationed in Kuwait from 2008 to 2009 as an Army Military Police platoon leader. While a member of Congress, she served as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2013 to 2016, and resigned to endorse Bernie Sanders' campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. During her time in Congress, she frequently appeared on Fox News and criticized the Barack Obama administration for refusing to say that the real enemy of the United States is radical Islam or Islamic extremism. During her presidential campaign, she highlighted an opposition to military interventionism, although she has called herself a "hawk" on terrorism. Her decision to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and her skepticism of claims that he had used chemical weapons gave rise to public disagreement from mainstream Democrats.In March 2020, Gabbard ended her presidential candidacy, and endorsed Joe Biden. After leaving the House of Representatives on January 3, 2021, she has taken more conservative positions on issues such as abortion, transgender rights and border security. She continued her frequent presence on Fox News, including serving as a fill-in host for Tucker Carlson Tonight.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 30 of 30)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

0 / 30

Campaign Funding

20
18
$1,392,547
Total Raised
$1,423,629
Total Spent
$2,016,418
Cash on Hand
Financial Data Source: Center for Responsive Politics
Education5 - 5 of 3
Hawaii Pacific University
BSBA International Business
2009
Leeward Community College
Attended Television Production
Officer Candidate School, Fort McClellan
Graduated
Past Positions1 - 5 of 5
Representative
United States House of Representatives, Hawaii
2013 - 2021
Member
Honolulu City Council
2010 - 2012
Representative
Hawaii State House of Representatives
2002 - 2004
Legislative Aide
Office of United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka
2006 - 2008
Major
Hawaii Army National Guard
2003 - Current
Other Experience1 - 24 of 24
Vice Chair
Democratic National Committee
2013 - 2016
Member
Council on Foreign Affairs, National Guard Association of the United States
2014 - Current
Vice President
Healthy Hawaii Coalition
2002 - Current
Former Chair
Safety, Economic Development and Government Affairs Committee, Honolulu City Council
Former Member
Zoning and Public Works Committee, Honolulu City Council
Former Member
Alliance for Traditional Marriage
Former Member
Stand Up for America
Former Vice Chair
Budget Committee, Honolulu City Council
Former Member
Higher Education Committee, Hawaii State House of Representatives
Former Member
Education Committee, Hawaii State House of Representatives
Former Member
Tourism Committee, Hawaii State House of Representatives
Former Member
Economic Development Committee, Hawaii State House of Representatives
Former Member
Fourth Amendment Caucus, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Armed Services Committee, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats & Capabilities, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Financial Services Committee, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, United States House of Representatives
Former Member
Subcommittee on Readiness, United States House of Representatives