Challenges in the Life of Elizabeth Warren in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Elizabeth Warren's life and career.

Elizabeth Warren is a prominent American politician and the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 2013. As a Democrat with progressive views, her senatorial work centers on consumer protection, economic equality, and strengthening social safety nets. Prior to her political career, she was a distinguished law professor. Warren was a presidential candidate in the 2020 Democratic primaries, where she finished third.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1995: First Foray into Public Policy

In 1995, Warren started working to oppose what later became a 2005 act that restricted bankruptcy access for individuals.

2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act

In 2005, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which curtailed consumers' ability to file for bankruptcy, despite Warren's opposition.

2005: Bankruptcy Act

In 2005, the act restricting bankruptcy access for individuals, which Warren had opposed, became law.

January 2012: Cordray Appointed to CFPB

In January 2012, Obama appointed Richard Cordray as director of the CFPB, after it was determined that Warren could not win Senate confirmation.

February 2013: Questions Banking Regulators

In February 2013, at her first Banking Committee hearing, Elizabeth Warren questioned banking regulators about when they last took a Wall Street bank to trial, expressing concern that 'too big to fail' had become 'too big for trial'.

2015: Criticizes the Trans-Pacific Partnership

In 2015, Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), arguing that it lacked sufficient dispute resolution mechanisms and labor protections for American workers.

September 20, 2016: Calls for Wells Fargo CEO resignation

On September 20, 2016, during a hearing, Elizabeth Warren called for Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf to resign and be criminally investigated over the company's unauthorized opening of two million checking and credit-card accounts.

February 2017: Senate rebukes Warren for reading Coretta Scott King letter

During Jeff Sessions's attorney general nomination debate in February 2017, Elizabeth Warren quoted a 1986 letter from Coretta Scott King. Senate Republicans ruled Warren had violated Senate rules, prohibiting her from further debate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's rebuke, 'She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted,' became a slogan for Warren.

October 3, 2017: Calls on Wells Fargo CEO to Resign

On October 3, 2017, Elizabeth Warren called on Wells Fargo CEO Timothy J. Sloan to resign during his appearance before the Senate Banking Committee, accusing him of incompetence or complicity in the bank's wrongdoings.

February 2020: Accepts Support from Super PACs

In February 2020, Elizabeth Warren began accepting support from Super PACs, after failing to convince other Democratic presidential candidates to disavow them.

March 5, 2020: Withdrawal from Presidential Race

On March 5, 2020, Elizabeth Warren withdrew from the 2020 United States presidential election after Super Tuesday.

2020: Criticizes Mike Bloomberg at Democratic Debate

During the ninth debate of the 2020 Democratic primaries, on February 19, Elizabeth Warren criticized fellow candidate Mike Bloomberg, citing non-transparent tax records, claims of misogyny and sexism, and a history of redlining poor neighborhoods.

2021: Condemns Capitol Attack

In 2021, Elizabeth Warren was at the Capitol during the attack by Trump supporters. She condemned the events as an "attempted coup" and labeled the perpetrators as "domestic terrorists", later calling for President Trump's removal from office.