Career Timeline of Rashida Tlaib: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Rashida Tlaib, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Rashida Tlaib is a U.S. Representative from Michigan, serving since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, she holds the distinction of being the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, alongside being one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. Her political career is marked by her advocacy and representation of Michigan's 12th congressional district. Tlaib's election signifies a shift in American politics, representing a more diverse and inclusive Congress.
2004: Internship with Steve Tobocman
In 2004, Rashida Tlaib began her political career with an internship for State Representative Steve Tobocman.
2004: Juris Doctor Degree
In 2004, Rashida Tlaib graduated with a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
2007: Admission to the Bar
In 2007, Rashida Tlaib was admitted to the bar in the state of Michigan.
2007: Hired by Steve Tobocman
In 2007, Steve Tobocman hired Rashida Tlaib to his staff when he became Majority Floor Leader.
2008: Election to Michigan House
In 2008, Rashida Tlaib was encouraged to run for and won Steve Tobocman's seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.
2010: Primary Election Victory
In 2010, Rashida Tlaib won a primary election challenge from Jim Czachorowski, picking up 85% of the vote.
2012: Re-election to Michigan House
In 2012, Rashida Tlaib won re-election to the Michigan House in the newly redrawn 6th district, defeating fellow incumbent Maureen Stapleton in the Democratic primary.
2014: Loss in State Senate Primary
In 2014, Rashida Tlaib lost the Democratic primary for the Michigan Senate to incumbent Virgil Smith Jr.
August 2016: Protest at Trump Speech
In August 2016, Rashida Tlaib protested a speech given by Donald Trump at Cobo Center and was ejected from the venue.
December 2017: Conyers Resignation
In December 2017, John Conyers resigned from Congress due to a sexual harassment scandal.
July 16, 2018: Fundraising Success
As of July 16, 2018, Rashida Tlaib had raised $893,030 in funds, more than her five opponents in the August 7 Democratic primary.
November 2018: Election to Congress
In November 2018, Rashida Tlaib was elected to Congress, becoming the first Palestinian-American woman to hold the position.
2018: Candidacy for U.S. House
In 2018, Rashida Tlaib announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 13th congressional district following John Conyers' resignation.
2018: Nomination and Election to US House
In 2018, Rashida Tlaib won both the Democratic nomination and the general election for the United States House of Representatives in Michigan's 13th congressional district.
January 3, 2019: Congressional Oath of Office
On January 3, 2019, Rashida Tlaib took the congressional oath of office, swearing in on an English-language translation of the Quran and wearing a traditional embroidered Arab dress.
June 2019: Vote Against Border Funding Bill
In June 2019, Rashida Tlaib was one of four Democratic representatives to vote against the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, a $4.5 billion border funding bill.
July 2019: Vote Against BDS Resolution
In July 2019, Rashida Tlaib was one of 17 members of Congress to vote against a House resolution condemning the BDS movement.
2019: Elected to Congress
In 2019, Rashida Tlaib began serving as a U.S. representative from Michigan. She is the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress.
2019: First Impeachment Vote
In 2019, Rashida Tlaib voted to impeach President Donald Trump.
March 2020: Speech at American Muslims for Palestine Gala
In March 2020, Rashida Tlaib spoke at a gala for American Muslims for Palestine, a group supporting Palestinian rights.
2020: Democratic Primary Victory
In 2020, Rashida Tlaib defeated Brenda Jones in the Democratic primary, winning 66% of the vote.
November 5, 2021: Vote Against Infrastructure Bill
On November 5, 2021, Rashida Tlaib was among six House Democrats who broke with their party to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because it was decoupled from the social safety net provisions in the Build Back Better Act.
2021: Second Impeachment Vote
In 2021, Rashida Tlaib voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time.
2022: Re-election in Michigan's 12th District
In 2022, following redistricting, Rashida Tlaib won the Democratic primary and the general election to represent Michigan's newly drawn 12th congressional district.
July 18, 2023: Vote Against Resolution on Israel
On July 18, 2023, Rashida Tlaib, along with eight other progressive Democrats, voted against a congressional resolution affirming that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and reiterating U.S. support for Israel.
2023: Vote Against National Police Week Resolution
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib and Congresswoman Cori Bush were the only two representatives to vote against a resolution recognizing National Police Week.
2023: Represents 12th Congressional District
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib began representing Michigan's 12th congressional district.
2023: Vote on Syria Troop Removal
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib was among 56 Democrats who voted for H.Con.Res. 21, a resolution directing President Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
2024: Won Third Term in Congress
In 2024, Rashida Tlaib secured a third term in Congress, defeating Republican nominee James Hooper and others.
