From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Elissa Slotkin made an impact.
Elissa Slotkin is an American politician who has served as a U.S. Senator for Michigan since 2025. Prior to that, she represented Michigan's 7th congressional district (formerly the 8th) in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025. A Democrat, Slotkin's background includes experience as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst and as an official in the Department of Defense, giving her a unique perspective in her political career.
2015: Assistant Secretary of Defense
In 2015, Elissa Slotkin began serving as acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.
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January 2017: Moved to Family Farm
In January 2017, Elissa Slotkin moved back to her family's farm in Holly after leaving the Department of Defense, where she owned and operated Pinpoint Consulting.
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July 2017: Announced Candidacy for Congress
In July 2017, Elissa Slotkin announced her candidacy for Michigan's 8th congressional district, motivated by a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
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2017: End of Term as Assistant Secretary of Defense
In 2017, Elissa Slotkin ended her term as acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.
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November 2018: Defeated Bishop
In November 2018, Elissa Slotkin defeated Mike Bishop, becoming the first Democrat to represent Michigan's 8th district since 2001.
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September 2019: Called for Impeachment Inquiry
In September 2019, Elissa Slotkin and other House Democrats called for an impeachment inquiry into President Trump, leading to widespread Democratic support.
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2019: Town Halls on Impeachment
In 2019, Elissa Slotkin held town halls regarding her decision to vote in favor of President Donald Trump's impeachment, which drew protesters and media coverage.
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2019: Became US Representative
In 2019, Elissa Slotkin started her term as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 7th congressional district.
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March 2020: Supported CARES Act
In March 2020, Elissa Slotkin supported the bipartisan CARES Act relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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May 2020: Voted for HEROES Act
In May 2020, Elissa Slotkin voted for the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion stimulus package, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2020: Campaign on Healthcare
During her 2020 campaign, Elissa Slotkin emphasized the importance of protecting health care coverage for people with preexisting conditions.
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2020: Student Loan Debt Relief Vote
In 2020, Elissa Slotkin voted against an amendment that would provide student loan debt relief.
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November 2021: Voted for Build Back Better Act
In November 2021, Elissa Slotkin voted for the Build Back Better Act.
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2021: Voted for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
In 2021, Elissa Slotkin voted in favor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
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August 2022: Voted for Inflation Reduction Act
In August 2022, Elissa Slotkin voted for the Inflation Reduction Act.
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2022: Co-sponsored Ban Corporate PACs Act
In 2022, Elissa Slotkin co-sponsored the Ban Corporate PACs Act, which would prevent corporations from operating a political action committee if enacted.
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2022: Defeated Tom Barrett
In 2022, Elissa Slotkin defeated Republican nominee Tom Barrett in the general election for U.S. House of Representatives.
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2022: Voted for Assault Weapons Ban
In 2022, Elissa Slotkin voted for H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022.
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February 27, 2023: Announced Senate Candidacy
On February 27, 2023, Elissa Slotkin announced her candidacy in the 2024 Michigan U.S. Senate election.
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2023: Voted for Amendment on Flags
In 2023, Elissa Slotkin voted for a Republican-backed amendment regarding the display of non-official flags at Department of Defense facilities.
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2023: Introduced Gun Violence Prevention Research Act
In 2023, after a mass shooting at Michigan State University, Elissa Slotkin introduced the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act.
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2023: Student Debt Forgiveness Initiative Struck Down
In 2023, the Biden administration's student debt forgiveness initiative, which Elissa Slotkin voted against overturning, was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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August 6, 2024: Won Democratic Primary
On August 6, 2024, Elissa Slotkin won the Democratic primary in the Michigan U.S. Senate election.
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2024: Elected to the Senate
In 2024, Elissa Slotkin was elected to the Senate, defeating Mike Rogers. She became the second female senator from Michigan.
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2025: Became Senator
In 2025, Elissa Slotkin began serving as the junior United States Senator from Michigan.
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2025: Voted for Laken Riley Act
In 2025, Elissa Slotkin was one of 12 Senate Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for the Laken Riley Act.
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