History of Jim Himes in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

James Andrew Himes, a Democrat, has been the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 4th congressional district since 2009. Before entering politics, Himes worked as a businessman. He continues to serve in his congressional role.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1943: Historical Context: Early Congressional Representation

In 1943, a point in time before Jim Himes's career, marked a period of different congressional representation in New England.

July 5, 1966: Jim Himes Born

On July 5, 1966, James Andrew Himes, who would later become a U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 4th congressional district, was born.

1969: Donald J. Irwin Left Office

In 1969, Donald J. Irwin left office, marking the last time a Democrat had represented the district Jim Himes would later represent.

1988: Himes Graduated from Harvard College

In 1988, Jim Himes graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, where he was also the captain of the lightweight crew team.

1990: Himes Graduated from St Edmund Hall, Oxford

In 1990, Jim Himes completed his Master of Philosophy degree in Latin American studies as a Rhodes scholar at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.

October 15, 1994: Himes Married Mary Lynley Scott

On October 15, 1994, Jim Himes married Mary Lynley Scott, a designer, and they live in Greenwich with their two daughters.

1995: Himes Started at Goldman Sachs

In 1995, Jim Himes began his career at Goldman Sachs as a banker in Latin America and New York, eventually being promoted to vice president.

2002: Himes Appointed Commissioner of Greenwich Housing Authority

In 2002, Jim Himes was appointed commissioner of the Greenwich Housing Authority, where he also served as chairman of the board for two years.

2008: Himes Defeated Chris Shays in Congressional Election

In 2008, Jim Himes defeated ten-term Republican incumbent Chris Shays in the congressional election for Connecticut's 4th district.

2008: Himes on No Child Left Behind

In 2008, Jim Himes stated that No Child Left Behind "is well-intentioned because it focuses on education, but it must be reformed."

January 6, 2009: Himes Took Office in Congress

On January 6, 2009, Jim Himes took office in the 111th United States Congress, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district since 1969.

2009: Himes Became U.S. Representative

In 2009, Jim Himes began serving as the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 4th congressional district, marking a significant career milestone.

2009: Himes Received 100% Rating from American Immigration Lawyers Association

In 2009, Jim Himes received a 100% rating from the American Immigration Lawyers Association for his stance on the defense of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

2009: Himes Received 100% Rating for Animal Protection Support

In 2009, Jim Himes received a 100% rating from the Society for Animal Protective Legislation for his support of animal protection, and also from the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund for his position on wildlife action.

2009: Himes Received 100% Rating from Human Rights Campaign

In 2009, the Human Rights Campaign gave Jim Himes a rating of 100% for his stance on human rights issues.

2010: Himes Received 100% Rating for Animal Protection Support

In 2010, Jim Himes continued to receive high ratings for his support of animal protection.

2010: Himes Received 100% Rating from American Immigration Lawyers Association

In 2010, Jim Himes received a 100% rating from the American Immigration Lawyers Association for his stance on the defense of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

2010: Himes Voted for Comprehensive Iran Sanctions

In 2010, Jim Himes voted for the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, demonstrating his support for sanctions against Iran.

2010: Himes Received 100% Rating from Human Rights Campaign

In 2010, the Human Rights Campaign again gave Jim Himes a rating of 100% for his stance on human rights issues.

2010: Himes Won Reelection Against Dan Debicella

In the 2010 election, Jim Himes won reelection against Republican challenger State Senator Dan Debicella, expanding his win to include Redding, Weston, Westport and Fairfield.

2011: Himes Co-Sponsored National Infrastructure Development Bank Act

In 2011, Jim Himes co-sponsored H.R. 402, The National Infrastructure Development Bank Act, aimed at funding national infrastructure projects.

May 5, 2012: Himes Awarded Honorary Doctorate

On May 5, 2012, Jim Himes received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Bridgeport.

2013: Himes Joined House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

In 2013, Jim Himes became a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, expanding his role in national security matters.

December 12, 2016: Himes Criticized Trump's Actions on CNN

On December 12, 2016, Jim Himes expressed concerns about Donald Trump's actions in an interview on CNN's "New Day", particularly Trump's criticism of the CIA and the intelligence community. He admitted Trump won the election "fair and square" but said Trump had proved himself unfit for public office.

2017: Himes Chaired the New Democrat Coalition

In 2017, Jim Himes began chairing the New Democrat Coalition in the 115th Congress, a role he held until 2019.

2019: End of term as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition

In 2019, Jim Himes's term as chair of the New Democrat Coalition concluded.

2022: Himes Voted Against Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act

In 2022, Jim Himes was among 16 Democrats who voted against the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act, an antitrust package aimed at curbing anti-competitive corporate behavior.

2022: Himes Discussed UFOs in Hearing

In 2022, during a House intelligence committee hearing on UFOs, Jim Himes asked the Pentagon if they could discuss their findings to reduce speculation and conspiracy theories.

June 29, 2023: Himes Expressed Skepticism About UAP Testimony

On June 29, 2023, Jim Himes reacted skeptically to whistleblower David Grusch's testimony regarding a US Government run UAP Special access program during an interview with Ask a Pol, asserting that he was assured by various units that there was no material.

2023: Himes Became Ranking Member on House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

In 2023, Jim Himes became the Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, marking a significant leadership role.

July 11, 2024: Himes Called for Biden to Withdraw from Election

On July 11, 2024, Jim Himes called for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 United States presidential election.

March 6, 2025: Himes Voted to Censure Al Green

On March 6, 2025, Jim Himes, along with nine other Democrats, voted with the Republicans to censure Democratic congressman Al Green for interrupting President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address.