History of Chris Murphy in Timeline

Chris Murphy is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut, serving since 2013. A Democrat, his career includes prior service in the U.S. House of Representatives (2007-2013) and both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly. He served two terms each in the Connecticut House of Representatives (1999-2003) and the Connecticut Senate (2003-2007). He is also an author and an activist.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 3, 1973: Christopher Murphy Born

On August 3, 1973, Christopher Scott Murphy was born. He is an American lawyer, author, and politician.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Campaign Manager

In 1996, Christopher Murphy served as campaign manager for Charlotte Koskoff's unsuccessful House campaign against Nancy Johnson.

1997: Planning and Zoning Commission Seat

In 1997, Christopher Murphy was first elected to office, winning a seat on the planning and zoning commission in Southington.

1998: Worked for Connecticut State Senate Majority Leader

From 1997 to 1998, Christopher Murphy worked for Connecticut State Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen. This experience provided valuable insight into state politics.

1998: Elected State Representative

In 1998, at age 25, Christopher Murphy defeated incumbent Republican State Representative Angelo Fusco with 55% of the vote, marking his entry into the Connecticut House of Representatives.

March 1999: Criticized Nancy Johnson's Impeachment Vote

In March 1999, Christopher Murphy criticized U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson's vote for impeaching President Bill Clinton, showcasing his early political stances.

1999: Connecticut House of Representatives

In 1999, Christopher Murphy became a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, serving two terms, marking the start of his career in the Connecticut General Assembly.

2000: Re-elected State Representative

In 2000, Christopher Murphy was re-elected to a second term as State Representative, defeating Barbara Morelli with 68% of the vote, demonstrating strong voter support.

2001: Co-sponsored Bill to Eliminate Child Poverty

In 2001, Christopher Murphy co-sponsored a bill to eliminate child poverty, demonstrating his early focus on social welfare issues. He also proposed legislation for free community-technical college tuition and a ban on smoking in state colleges.

2002: Supporter of LGBT Rights

In 2002, Christopher Murphy was a supporter of rights for LGBT people, demonstrating his early advocacy for LGBT equality. He served on the Judiciary Committee during his tenure.

2003: Joined Clean Car Alliance

In 2003, Christopher Murphy joined the Clean Car Alliance and supported California-like environmental standards on auto manufacturers, demonstrating his commitment to environmental protection.

2003: Connecticut Senate

In 2003, Christopher Murphy transitioned to the Connecticut Senate after serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

2004: Billy Smolinski Jr.'s Disappearance

In 2004, Billy Smolinski Jr., a resident of Murphy's district, disappeared, inspiring Murphy's later efforts to reform missing-persons databases.

2004: Supported Smoking Ban in Restaurants and Bars

In 2004, Christopher Murphy supported a bill that would ban smoking in all restaurants and bars, reflecting his focus on public health issues.

2004: Re-elected to Connecticut State Senate

In 2004, Christopher Murphy was re-elected to a second term in the Connecticut State Senate, defeating Republican Christopher O'Brien with 60% of the vote.

2005: Authored Legislation on Child Protection and Stem-Cell Research

In 2005, Christopher Murphy authored legislation establishing the new Office of Child Protection, and also wrote Public Act 05–149, permitting stem-cell research while prohibiting human cloning.

2005: Co-sponsored Civil Union Bill

In 2005, during his tenure in the State Senate, Christopher Murphy was one of the first ten co-sponsors of a civil union bill that passed the General Assembly, demonstrating his support for LGBT rights.

2006: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2006, Christopher Murphy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating twelve-term incumbent Republican Nancy Johnson with 56% of the vote, marking a significant victory.

May 2007: Organized Support for Ethics Panel

In May 2007, Christopher Murphy organized a group of freshmen House members to support the creation of an independent, non-partisan ethics panel to review complaints against members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

August 2007: Marriage to Catherine Holahan

In August 2007, Chris Murphy married Catherine Holahan.

2007: U.S. House of Representatives

In 2007, Christopher Murphy was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Connecticut's 5th congressional district.

2007: Proposed Making Home Invasion a Federal Crime

In 2007, after home invasions in his district, Christopher Murphy proposed making home invasion a federal crime, aiming to address local safety concerns.

March 2008: Independent Office of Congressional Ethics Passed

In March 2008, the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, which Christopher Murphy helped shape, was passed into law by the House, enhancing congressional accountability.

August 2008: Supported Increased Oil Drilling

In August 2008, Christopher Murphy sent a letter to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expressing support for increased oil drilling as part of a bipartisan energy bill, showcasing a nuanced approach to energy policy.

2008: Authored Supportive Housing Investment Act

In 2008, Christopher Murphy authored the "Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act", passed by the House, to modernize Section 811, which governs federal supportive housing grants.

2008: Added Amendment to Rail Legislation

In 2008, Christopher Murphy successfully added an amendment to rail legislation to facilitate cooperation between Amtrak and the state of Connecticut on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line project.

2008: Re-elected to U.S. House

In 2008, Christopher Murphy was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 60% of the vote, demonstrating continued strong support from his district.

2008: Passed Government Funding Transparency Act

In 2008, as a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Christopher Murphy introduced and successfully passed into law the "Government Funding Transparency Act of 2008", requiring companies doing major business with the federal government to disclose top executives' salaries.

2008: Proposed Making Home Invasion a Federal Crime

In 2008, following a brutal home invasion in Cheshire, Christopher Murphy proposed making home invasion a federal crime, aiming to address local safety concerns.

August 2009: Defended Role in Health-Care Reform Bill

In August 2009, Christopher Murphy defended his role in supporting HR 3200, the House health-care reform bill, at a contentious town hall meeting in Simsbury.

2009: Introduced Billy's Law

In 2009, Christopher Murphy introduced "Billy's Law" to improve coordination of law-enforcement efforts to locate missing persons, named in honor of Billy Smolinski Jr.

2010: Re-elected to U.S. House

In 2010, Christopher Murphy was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, securing 54% of the vote.

January 20, 2011: Announced Senate Run

On January 20, 2011, Christopher Murphy announced that he would run for the Senate seat held by Joe Lieberman, who was retiring.

February 2011: Voted to Extend Patriot Act Provisions

In February 2011, Christopher Murphy voted to extend provisions of the Patriot Act, despite his calls for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, illustrating a complex stance on national security.

2011: Suggested Investigation of Justice Clarence Thomas

In 2011, Christopher Murphy sponsored a bill subjecting Supreme Court Justices to the same ethical code as other federal judges and suggested an investigation into Justice Clarence Thomas's ethical violations related to Republican Party supporters.

2012: U.S. Senate Run

In 2012, Christopher Murphy ran for the U.S. Senate after Joe Lieberman retired. He won against Susan Bysiewicz in the primary and Linda McMahon in the general election and became the youngest senator of the 113th Congress.

2012: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2012, Christopher Murphy was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Linda McMahon with 55% of the vote, marking a significant milestone in his career.

January 3, 2013: Took Office as U.S. Senator

On January 3, 2013, Christopher Murphy took office as the junior United States senator for Connecticut, focusing on transportation, infrastructure, Long Island Sound preservation, small farms, and Connecticut manufacturing.

May 19, 2013: Honorary Doctorate

On May 19, 2013, Christopher Murphy received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of New Haven.

2013: U.S. Senate

In 2013, Christopher Murphy became the junior United States Senator from Connecticut.

June 8, 2015: Co-authored "Principles for a Progressive Foreign Policy"

On June 8, 2015, Chris Murphy co-authored "Principles for a Progressive Foreign Policy" in Foreign Affairs, proposing a framework for a Democratic foreign policy strategy.

June 24, 2015: Misleading Statement on School Shootings

On June 24, 2015, Chris Murphy stated that "Since Sandy Hook there has been a school shooting, on average, every week," a claim that The Washington Post later described as misleading.

August 5, 2015: Introduction of the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015

On August 5, 2015, Chris Murphy introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 with Senator Bill Cassidy. The legislation aimed to overhaul the mental health system by building treatment capacity, promoting integrated care models, expanding the mental health workforce, and encouraging the enforcement of existing mental health parity laws.

2015: Self-Identification as 'Protestant/unaffiliated'

In 2015, Chris Murphy identified as "Protestant/unaffiliated" and stated that he was "not a regular churchgoer these days", partially due to his children and busy schedule.

January 29, 2016: Called for US to stop supporting the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen

On January 29, 2016, Chris Murphy recommended that the US stop supporting the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen and suspend military sales to Saudi Arabia until the US receives assurances about efforts against al-Qaeda and ISIS and Saudi Arabia lessens its support of Wahhabism.

March 2016: Authored the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act

In March 2016, Chris Murphy co-authored the bipartisan bill the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act with Republican Senator Rob Portman.

March 16, 2016: Mental Health Reform Act Passed by HELP Committee

On March 16, 2016, the Mental Health Reform Act was passed unanimously by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

September 2016: Signed AIPAC-sponsored letter on Israeli settlements

In September 2016, Chris Murphy signed an AIPAC-sponsored letter urging President Obama to veto "one-sided" resolutions against Israel regarding Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

November 30, 2016: Legislators approved measure to ask the U.S. State Department to take action against foreign propaganda

On November 30, 2016, legislators approved a measure within the National Defense Authorization Act to ask the U.S. State Department to take action against foreign propaganda through an interagency panel. The legislation authorized funding of $160 million over a two-year period. The initiative was developed through the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act.

December 7, 2016: Senate Passes Mental Health Reform as Part of 21st Century Cures Act

On December 7, 2016, the Senate passed Mental Health Reform as part of the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill also provided $1 billion in funding to address the opioid crisis and funding for the NIH Cancer Moonshot initiative.

December 13, 2016: Mental Health Reform Bill Signed into Law

On December 13, 2016, President Obama signed the Mental Health Reform bill into law.

2016: Votes on Cannabis-Related Causes

In 2016, Chris Murphy voted in favor of the Daines/Merkley Amendment to enable Veterans Health Administration doctors to discuss the benefits of medical marijuana with their patients. He also voted in favor of the Mikulski Medical Marijuana Amendment, which protects users in states with medical marijuana laws from federal interference.

2016: Walk Across Connecticut

In 2016, Christopher Murphy walked 126 miles across Connecticut, engaging with constituents and holding daily town hall meetings.

2016: Filibuster Regarding Gun Control

In 2016, following the Orlando nightclub shooting, Chris Murphy staged a filibuster regarding gun control, which entered the list of the top 10 longest filibusters in U.S. history.

April 2017: Signed a letter to President Trump warning about instability in the insurance market

In April 2017, Chris Murphy was one of five Democratic senators to sign a letter to then-President Trump that warned failure "to take immediate action to oppose the lawsuit or direct House Republicans to forgo this effort will increase instability in the insurance market, as insurers may choose not to participate in the marketplace in 2018".

July 2017: Voted in favor of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act

In July 2017, Chris Murphy voted in favor of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act that placed sanctions on Iran together with Russia and North Korea.

November 2017: Accused the United States of complicity in war crimes committed in Yemen

In November 2017, Chris Murphy accused the United States of complicity in the war crimes committed in Yemen by the Saudi-led military coalition and in Yemen's humanitarian crisis.

December 2017: Criticized Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

In December 2017, Chris Murphy criticized Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying that it needs to be done at the right time and in the right manner.

2017: Introduced the bipartisan Fix NICS Act

Following the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, Chris Murphy and fellow U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Fix NICS Act to ensure criminal records are submitted to the federal background-check system.

2017: Introduced a National Assault-Weapon Ban

In 2017, Chris Murphy introduced a national assault-weapon ban, reflecting his strong support for gun control.

2017: Repeated Walk Across Connecticut

In 2017, Christopher Murphy repeated his walk across Connecticut, covering 106 miles and holding five town hall meetings, continuing his engagement with constituents.

March 2018: Signed a letter requesting a hearing on the causes and remedies of mass shootings

In March 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Chris Murphy was one of ten senators to sign a letter requesting a hearing on the causes and remedies of mass shootings.

May 2018: Signed a letter urging the FLRA to end efforts to close its Boston regional office

In May 2018, Chris Murphy was one of twelve senators to sign a letter to Chairman of the Federal Labor Relations Authority Colleen Kiko urging the FLRA to end efforts to close its Boston regional office until Congress debated the matter.

June 2018: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line Began Operation

In June 2018, the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line, for which Christopher Murphy advocated, began operation, providing daily commuter service.

October 2018: Called for a fundamental break in Saudi Arabia–United States relations

In October 2018, Chris Murphy wrote that if the reports of Jamal Khashoggi's murder are true, it should represent a fundamental break in Saudi Arabia–United States relations.

December 2018: Commented on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria

In December 2018, after President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, Chris Murphy said that he supported withdrawing troops but also called for rejoining a diplomatic process.

2018: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 2018, Christopher Murphy was re-elected to the U.S. Senate for a second term, defeating Republican businessman Matt Corey with 59.5 percent of the vote.

2018: Senate Re-election Win

In 2018, Christopher Murphy won re-election to the U.S. Senate for a second term.

February 2019: Reintroduced legislation requiring sanctions on Saudi officials involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi

In February 2019, Chris Murphy was one of seven senators to reintroduce legislation requiring sanctions on Saudi officials involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and seeking to address support for the Yemen civil war through prohibiting some weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and U.S. military refueling of Saudi coalition planes.

April 2019: Signed a letter encouraging President Trump to reverse a decision that would damage national security

In April 2019, Chris Murphy was one of thirty-four senators to sign a letter to President Trump encouraging him "to listen to members of your own Administration and reverse a decision that will damage our national security and aggravate conditions inside Central America".

July 2019: Introduction of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

In July 2019, Chris Murphy and fifteen other Senate Democrats introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which mandated that ICE agents obtain approval from a supervisor before engaging in enforcement actions at sensitive locations and receive annual training, along with annual reporting requirements.

2019: Professed the need for NATO allies to understand Russia's vulnerabilities

In 2019, at an event at the Atlantic Council, Chris Murphy professed the need for NATO allies to understand that the country has been always "far behind Russia in understanding our vulnerabilities."

January 2020: Urged the FBI to investigate allegations that Saudi Arabia illegally compromised and stole personal data from Jeff Bezos

In January 2020, Chris Murphy wrote to FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, urging the FBI to investigate the allegations that Saudi Arabia illegally compromised and stole personal data from Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post.

May 2020: Voiced opposition to Israel's plan to annex parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank

In May 2020, Chris Murphy voiced his opposition to Israel's plan to annex parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

September 2020: Published a book on gun control titled The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy

In September 2020, Chris Murphy published a book on gun control titled The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy.

The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy

Check it on Amazon

2020: Met with Iranian Foreign Minister

In early 2020, Christopher Murphy secretly met with Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss various issues, including U.S. nationals detained in Iran and regional conflicts.

2021: Called for Removal of Donald Trump

In 2021, following the storming of the United States Capitol, Christopher Murphy called for the removal of Donald Trump from office and announced he would lead an investigation into the security breaches during the attack.

June 2022: Comments on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade

In June 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Chris Murphy criticized the justices that supported the decision, calling them "politicians" and commenting on the inconsistency of the abortion and gun rulings.

June 2022: Called the overturning of Roe v. Wade a "disaster"

In June 2022, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Chris Murphy called it a "disaster" of a decision.

July 2023: Introduction of the National Strategy for Social Connection Act

In July 2023, Murphy introduced the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, which aimed to establish a White House Office of Social Connection Policy to coordinate federal agencies in creating policies promoting social infrastructure and issue guidelines to foster social bonds. The legislation also suggested funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research loneliness and social isolation.

2023: Joining Churches in Hartford and Washington

By 2023, Chris Murphy had joined churches in Hartford and Washington.

2023: Introduced a National Assault-Weapon Ban

In 2023, Chris Murphy introduced a national assault-weapon ban, reflecting his strong support for gun control.

January 2024: Voted against a resolution to apply human rights provisions to U.S. aid to Israel

In January 2024, Chris Murphy voted against a resolution, proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, to apply the human rights provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act to U.S. aid to Israel's military.

February 7, 2024: Stated support for amendment requiring weapons sold internationally to be used in compliance with laws

On February 7, 2024, Chris Murphy stated he would support an amendment requiring weapons sold internationally to be used in compliance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of armed conflict.

March 2024: Signed a letter urging the U.S. to recognize a nonmilitarized Palestinian state

In March 2024, Chris Murphy was one of 19 Democratic senators to sign a letter to the Biden administration urging the U.S. to recognize a "nonmilitarized" Palestinian state after the war in Gaza.

April 2024: Announcement of Round-Table Events to Restore the 'Common Good'

In April 2024, Chris Murphy, in partnership with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, announced a series of round-table events focused on restoring the value of the "common good." These forums aimed to bring together thinkers, researchers, and writers to explore community solutions to combat loneliness and foster social solidarity.

November 15, 2024: Confirmation of Separation from Wife

On November 15, 2024, Chris Murphy's office confirmed that he and his wife, Catherine Holahan, were separating after 17 years of marriage.

2024: Urged a revamp of Democratic Party policy

After the defeat of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Chris Murphy urged a significant revamp of Democratic Party policy, citing neoliberalism, alienation of Americans, and a perception of elitism.

2024: Senate Re-election Win

In 2024, Christopher Murphy won re-election to the U.S. Senate for a third term.

2024: Won Re-election to Senate

In 2024, Christopher Murphy won the general election and was elected to a third term in the US Senate.

2024: Emerged as a prominent critic of Donald Trump

Since the 2024 United States presidential election, Chris Murphy has emerged as a prominent critic of Donald Trump within the Democratic Party.

January 2025: Introduction of the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA)

In January 2025, Chris Murphy, along with senators Ted Cruz, Katie Britt, and Brian Schatz, introduced the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA). This act aimed to set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding "algorithmically-targeted" content to users under the age of 17.

March 2025: Stated "The White House has become an arm of the Kremlin"

In March 2025, Chris Murphy stated "The White House has become an arm of the Kremlin."

April 2025: Voted for resolutions to cancel the Trump's administration's sales of $8.8 billion in bombs and other munitions to Israel

In April 2025, Chris Murphy voted for a pair of resolutions, proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, to cancel the Trump's administration's sales of $8.8 billion in bombs and other munitions to Israel.