Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Grimm (politician)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

Discover the career path of Michael Grimm (politician), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Grimm is a former American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York from 2011 to 2015. Representing both the 13th and 11th congressional districts of New York, which encompassed Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, Grimm was a Republican and the only one representing a significant part of New York City during his tenure. His time in Congress ended prematurely due to his conviction on tax fraud charges, which led to his resignation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1989: Grimm Entered Active Duty in the Marine Corps

In 1989, Michael Grimm entered active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service, he received a combat promotion to corporal and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation, among other awards.

1991: Grimm Entered the FBI as a Clerk

In 1991, Michael Grimm began his career with the FBI as a clerk.

1995: Grimm Entered the FBI Academy

In 1995, Michael Grimm entered the FBI Academy in Quantico Station, Virginia, and graduated as a special agent. He was then certified to become an undercover agent.

1997: Grimm Discharged from Marine Corps Reserve

In 1997, Michael Grimm was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after having transferred from active duty earlier.

2006: Grimm Founded Healthalicious

In 2006, Michael Grimm founded a small health food restaurant in Manhattan called Healthalicious. He also co-owned and served as principal and chief executive officer of Austin Refuel Transport, a bio-fuel company.

2006: Grimm Left the FBI

In 2006, Michael Grimm left the FBI, citing his exhaustion from working long hours. During his time with the FBI, he spent two years posing as a small-cap stockbroker, uncovering white-collar criminals on Wall Street.

January 23, 2010: Grimm Launched Campaign for Congressional Seat

On January 23, 2010, Michael Grimm launched his campaign for the 13th New York Congressional District seat. He received endorsements from Rudy Giuliani and Guy Molinari, and was challenged by Michael Allegretti.

November 2, 2010: Grimm Defeated McMahon

On November 2, 2010, Michael Grimm defeated McMahon in the race for the 13th New York Congressional District, winning 51% to 48%.

2011: Grimm Represents New York in Congress

In 2011, Michael Grimm began representing New York in the United States Congress, specifically the 13th congressional district, which included Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.

June 2013: Grimm on Water Fees for Sandy Survivors

In June 2013, Michael Grimm stated that he believed water fees should be waived for survivors of Hurricane Sandy who had been displaced from their homes, calling the bills "ridiculous".

March 2014: Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act Passed

In March 2014, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, cosponsored by Michael Grimm and Bill Cassidy, was passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Obama. The law repealed and capped flood insurance premiums for millions of Americans.

April 2014: Grimm Acknowledged Human Cause of Climate Change

According to Politico, in April 2014, Michael Grimm became the first sitting House Republican to publicly state he believed that humans cause climate change.

November 5, 2014: Grimm Defeated Recchia

On November 5, 2014, Michael Grimm defeated Domenic Recchia in the general election for his congressional seat.

December 29, 2014: Grimm Decides to Resign

On December 29, 2014, it was reported that Michael Grimm, after speaking with House Speaker John Boehner, decided to decline to take his seat for a third term and would resign from Congress.

December 30, 2014: Grimm Announced Resignation

On December 30, 2014, Michael Grimm announced that he would resign from Congress, effective January 5, 2015, after initially vowing to retain his seat.

January 5, 2015: Grimm's Resignation from Congress

On January 5, 2015, Michael Grimm's resignation from Congress took effect, following his announcement on December 30, 2014.

May 5, 2015: Daniel Donovan Jr. Won Special Election

On May 5, 2015, Daniel M. Donovan Jr. won the special election to replace Michael Grimm in Congress.

2015: Grimm Resigned from Congress

In 2015, Michael Grimm resigned from Congress after being convicted of tax fraud. He had been representing New York's 11th congressional district at the time.