Dr. Kim Schrier was born on August 23, 1968, and raised in Los Angeles, California, in a family that valued education, public service, and opportunity. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to receive her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. After completing her residency, Schrier built a career as a pediatrician, caring for children and families for more than a decade — experience that grounded her understanding of healthcare access, affordability, and the challenges working families face every day.
In 2018, motivated by rising healthcare costs and threats to the Affordable Care Act, Schrier ran for Congress and flipped Washington’s 8th District — becoming the first Democrat to represent the district in nearly 40 years and the first pediatrician elected to Congress. She was sworn into office in January 2019 and has since been re-elected multiple times in one of the most competitive districts in the country. Representing a politically diverse district spanning suburban, rural, and exurban communities east of Seattle, Schrier has built a reputation as a pragmatic, results-oriented lawmaker focused on lowering costs, protecting healthcare, and delivering tangible benefits for Washington families.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Affordable Healthcare & Lowering Costs — As a physician, Schrier has made healthcare her top priority — fighting to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, lower prescription-drug prices, expand access to mental health care, and ensure families aren’t bankrupted by medical bills.
- Reproductive Freedom — Schrier is a strong defender of reproductive rights and has pushed for federal protections to ensure access to abortion and reproductive healthcare nationwide, especially in the wake of extreme court decisions.
- Economic Opportunity & Support for Working Families — She supports tax relief for middle-class families, investments in childcare and paid leave, and policies that help small businesses grow while protecting workers.
- Climate Action & Environmental Protection — Representing a district vulnerable to wildfires and climate impacts, Schrier supports clean-energy investment, wildfire mitigation, and policies that protect Washington’s natural resources.
- Bipartisan Problem Solving — As a member of the New Democrat Coalition and a frequent participant in bipartisan legislation, Schrier emphasizes practical solutions that can pass Congress and make a real difference for constituents.
Accomplishments & Track Record
- Historic Win in a Swing District: Flipped WA-08 in 2018 and has successfully defended the seat in multiple tough elections, proving strong crossover and independent appeal.
- Healthcare Leadership: As the first pediatrician in Congress, Schrier has helped lead efforts to lower prescription-drug prices, expand maternal and child health programs, and protect coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Delivering Infrastructure & Economic Investment: Supported bipartisan infrastructure legislation bringing major investments to Washington for roads, bridges, broadband, wildfire prevention, and clean water.
- Champion for Families: Advanced legislation supporting paid family leave, childcare affordability, and mental-health services — particularly for children and adolescents.
- Trusted, Pragmatic Voice: Known as a steady, solutions-focused representative who puts district needs above partisan noise.
My heart breaks for the child who had to suffer and for the family and community that just lost their child to measles. This is particularly tragic because this death was entirely preventable.
Just hours before this tragedy, GOP members of Congress laughed when I asked them about holding RFK Jr. accountable in the event of a deadly vaccine-preventable outbreak. Now, today, a child is dead. Measles is an incredibly contagious and terrible disease that can be prevented. Everybody should get vaccinated. The immunization is safe and effective.
- Kim Schrier