Challenges in the Life of Kyrsten Sinema in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kyrsten Sinema's life and career.
Kyrsten Sinema is an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator for Arizona from 2019 to 2025. Initially a Democrat, she became an independent in December 2022. Prior to her political career, Sinema worked as a social worker.
November 4, 2008: Proposition 102 Approved
On November 4, 2008, Proposition 102, which Sinema campaigned against, was approved by voters.
2008: Proposition 102 Passed
In 2008, a similar referendum, Proposition 102, which would have banned the recognition of same-sex marriage and civil unions in Arizona, passed.
July 2013: Vote against Amash Amendment
In July 2013, Kyrsten Sinema joined a bipartisan majority and voted against an amendment to a defense appropriations bill (offered by Amash) to prohibit the NSA from monitoring and recording details of U.S. citizens' telecommunications without a warrant.
2016: Vote for Republican-backed bill on broadband rates
In 2016, Kyrsten Sinema was one of five House Democrats to vote for a Republican-backed bill barring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from regulating broadband rates, breaking from her party's opposition.
July 2018: Vote Against Abolishing ICE
In July 2018, Kyrsten Sinema broke with her party by voting with Republicans against abolishing ICE.
March 14, 2019: Vote Against Trump's National Emergency Declaration
On March 14, 2019, Kyrsten Sinema voted against Trump's National Emergency declaration on border security.
April 2019: Vote to Confirm David Bernhardt
In April 2019, Kyrsten Sinema was one of three Democrats who voted with Republicans to confirm David Bernhardt, a former oil executive, as Secretary of the Interior Department.
2019: Net Neutrality Bill
In 2019, Kyrsten Sinema was the sole Senate Democrat not to co-sponsor the Save the Internet Act, which would restore Obama-era regulations preventing ISPs from throttling consumers' website traffic.
January 25, 2021: Filibuster Stance
On January 25, 2021, a spokesperson for Kyrsten Sinema told The Washington Post that she is "against eliminating the filibuster" and "not open to changing her mind" on the issue.
February 4, 2021: Vote Against COVID-19 Support for Undocumented Immigrants
On February 4, 2021, Kyrsten Sinema voted against providing COVID-19 pandemic financial support to undocumented immigrants.
October 18, 2021: Meeting with President Biden on spending bills
On October 18, 2021, Kyrsten Sinema and Senator Joe Manchin met with President Biden to discuss their concerns with Democrat-crafted spending bills.
2021: Marathon Injury
In 2021, Kyrsten Sinema broke her right foot while running a marathon, requiring her to use a hands-free crutch.
January 2022: Vote Against Filibuster Rule Change
In January 2022, Kyrsten Sinema and Democratic Senate colleague Joe Manchin voted against changing the Senate filibuster rule, resulting in censure from the Arizona Democratic Party executive committee.
January 22, 2022: Censured by Arizona Democratic Party
On January 22, 2022, the Arizona Democratic Party executive board voted to censure Kyrsten Sinema for voting with Senate Republicans to maintain the filibuster, preventing passage of a voting rights bill.
February 24, 2022: Met with critics after pressure campaign
On February 24, 2022, Kyrsten Sinema's office met with critics after a pressure campaign by the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition and the Tucson Climate Coalition urging her to abolish the modern filibuster, though the meeting was ultimately unsuccessful.
