Rashida Harbi Tlaib is a prominent figure in American politics. A lawyer by profession, she serves as a U.S. Representative for Michigan's 12th congressional district, a position she has held since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Tlaib has made history as the first Palestinian-American woman and one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. Congress. Her career reflects her dedication to public service and marks a significant milestone in the representation of diverse communities within the American political landscape.
1994: High School Graduation
In 1994, Tlaib graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit.
1994: Graduated from Southwestern High School
Rashida Tlaib graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit in 1994.
1998: Tlaib Marries Fayez Tlaib
Rashida Tlaib married Fayez Tlaib in 1998 at the age of 22. They have two sons.
1998: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree
Rashida Tlaib received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wayne State University in 1998.
1998: Bachelor's Degree
Tlaib earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wayne State University in 1998.
2004: Juris Doctor and Beginning of Political Career
In 2004, Tlaib received a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and began her political career by interning with State Representative Steve Tobocman.
2004: Internship with Steve Tobocman
Rashida Tlaib began her political career in 2004 as an intern for State Representative Steve Tobocman.
2004: Received Juris Doctor Degree
Rashida Tlaib received her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2004.
2007: Admitted to the Michigan Bar and Hired by Tobocman
In 2007, Tlaib was admitted to the Michigan bar and was hired by Steve Tobocman as part of his staff.
2007: Admitted to the Michigan Bar
Rashida Tlaib was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in 2007.
2007: Hired by Tobocman
When Steve Tobocman became Majority Floor Leader in 2007, he hired Rashida Tlaib to be on his staff.
2008: Ran for Tobocman's seat
In 2008, Rashida Tlaib ran for, and won, the seat in the Michigan House of Representatives vacated by Steve Tobocman due to term limits.
2010: Re-election to the Michigan House
In 2010, Tlaib won re-election to the Michigan House of Representatives, defeating Jim Czachorowski in the primary and Darrin Daigle in the general election.
2012: Re-election to Michigan House
In 2012, Tlaib won re-election to the Michigan House in the newly redrawn 6th district, defeating Maureen Stapleton in the primary and Darrin Daigle in the general election.
2014: Unsuccessful Run for Michigan Senate
In 2014, due to term limits in the House, Tlaib ran for the Michigan Senate but lost in the Democratic primary to Virgil Smith Jr.
August 2016: Tlaib Protests Trump Speech
In August 2016, Rashida Tlaib protested a speech given by Donald Trump at Cobo Center and was subsequently ejected from the venue.
December 2017: John Conyers Resigns
John Conyers resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2017 due to a sexual harassment scandal. This opened up the seat Tlaib would later run for.
July 16, 2018: Fundraising and Media Appearance
As of July 16, 2018, Tlaib had raised a substantial amount in campaign funds and appeared on The Young Turks' Rebel HQ.
September 2018: Tlaib Expresses Gratitude at Mosque
In September 2018, Tlaib expressed gratitude at her family's mosque for the opportunity to run for Congress, articulating her belief that "my Allah is She".
November 2018: First Palestinian-American Woman Elected to Congress
Tlaib won the general election in November 2018, becoming the first Palestinian-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
2018: J Street Withdraws Endorsement of Tlaib
In 2018, J Street, a pro-Israel organization, withdrew its endorsement of Rashida Tlaib due to her support for a one-state solution, claiming she misrepresented her views. Tlaib clarified her position, stating a two-state solution was impossible under Netanyahu without harming Israelis.
2018: Candidacy for U.S. House
In 2018, Tlaib announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 13th congressional district.
2018: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2018, Tlaib won the Democratic nomination and the general election for the United States House of Representatives in Michigan's 13th congressional district.
2018: Tlaib Referred to as Single Mother
In 2018, a campaign spokesperson referred to Tlaib as a single mother.
January 3, 2019: Sworn into Congress
On January 3, 2019, Rashida Tlaib was sworn into the U.S. Congress, wearing a traditional thawb.
January 2019: Tlaib Criticizes Anti-BDS Legislation
In January 2019, Rashida Tlaib criticized proposed anti-BDS legislation, arguing that boycotting is a right. Her comments drew criticism from groups like the ADL, who cited concerns about accusations of dual loyalty.
June 2019: Tlaib Votes Against Border Funding Bill
In June 2019, Tlaib voted against a $4.5 billion border funding bill that aimed to implement health standards for individuals in custody at the border.
July 2019: House Resolution Condemning BDS Movement Passes
In July 2019, the House passed a resolution condemning the BDS movement. Tlaib was one of 17 members who voted against it.
August 15, 2019: Denied Entry to Israel
On August 15, 2019, Israel announced that it would deny entry to Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Although later offered entry under certain restrictions, Tlaib declined.
November 14, 2019: House Ethics Committee Investigates Tlaib's Campaign Finances
On November 14, 2019, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Rashida Tlaib's campaign finance practices, examining whether she misused funds for personal expenses, potentially violating House rules.
2019: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2019, Rashida Tlaib began serving as a U.S. Representative from Michigan.
2019: First Impeachment Vote Against President Trump
In 2019, Tlaib voted to impeach President Donald Trump.
March 2020: Tlaib Speaks at American Muslims for Palestine Gala
In March 2020, Rashida Tlaib spoke at a gala for American Muslims for Palestine, a group advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to Israeli occupation.
August 2020: Tlaib Ordered to Reimburse Campaign Funds
In August 2020, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation and directed Rashida Tlaib to reimburse her campaign $10,800 for improper use of funds, emphasizing her responsibility to adhere to campaign finance regulations.
December 2020: Tlaib Deletes Retweet with "From the River to the Sea" Phrase
In December 2020, Rashida Tlaib deleted a retweet containing the phrase "from the river to the sea," a phrase often associated with the elimination of Israel.
2020: Re-election to the U.S. House
In 2020, Tlaib won the Democratic primary against Brenda Jones and was re-elected to the U.S. House.
September 23, 2021: Tlaib Calls Israel an "Apartheid State"
On September 23, 2021, during a House debate on funding for Israel's Iron Dome, Rashida Tlaib referred to Israel as an "apartheid state," prompting accusations of antisemitism from Rep. Ted Deutch.
November 5, 2021: Tlaib Votes Against Infrastructure Bill
On November 5, 2021, Rashida Tlaib was one of six House Democrats to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act due to its separation from the social safety net provisions in the Build Back Better Act.
2021: Second Impeachment Vote Against President Trump
In 2021, Tlaib voted to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time.
2022: Tlaib Introduces Resolutions Recognizing the Nakba
In 2022, Rashida Tlaib introduced resolutions aimed at recognizing the Nakba, the Palestinian exodus of 1948, and endorsing the Palestinian right of return, sparking criticism from some senators.
2022: Re-election in Michigan's 12th District
In 2022, Tlaib won re-election to the U.S. House in the newly drawn 12th congressional district of Michigan.
July 18, 2023: Tlaib Votes Against Resolution Affirming Support for Israel
On July 18, 2023, Rashida Tlaib and eight other progressive Democrats voted against a non-binding resolution affirming that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and expressing continued U.S. support for Israel.
October 2023: Tlaib Calls for Ceasefire During Israel-Hamas War
During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, Tlaib issued statements condemning Hamas's attack, grieving the loss of life on both sides, and calling for a ceasefire. She advocated for dismantling what she calls the "apartheid system" and ending unconditional U.S. support for Israel, drawing criticism from some officials. She defended her right to criticize the Israeli government without being labeled antisemitic.
October 26, 2023: Censure Resolution Against Tlaib Fails
On October 26, 2023, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a resolution to censure Rashida Tlaib for criticizing Israel and participating in a protest, but the resolution failed to pass due to bipartisan opposition over its inflammatory language. Tlaib called the resolution "deeply Islamophobic."
November 3, 2023: Tlaib Criticizes Biden's Support for Israel
On November 3, 2023, Rashida Tlaib publicly criticized President Biden's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, accusing him of supporting the alleged genocide of Palestinians and urging a ceasefire.
2023: Represents Michigan's 12th Congressional District
Beginning in 2023, Rashida Tlaib represented Michigan's 12th Congressional District.
2023: Tlaib Votes Against National Police Week Resolution
In 2023, Tlaib and Congresswoman Cori Bush were the only two representatives to vote against a resolution recognizing National Police Week, following Tlaib's earlier criticisms of American policing.
2023: Tlaib Introduces Resolutions Recognizing the Nakba
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib introduced resolutions aimed at recognizing the Nakba, the Palestinian exodus of 1948, and endorsing the Palestinian right of return, sparking criticism from some senators. Tlaib responded by citing human rights organizations that accuse Israel of apartheid.
2024: Won Third Term in Congress
In 2024, Tlaib won a third term in Congress, defeating James Hooper, Brenda K. Sanders, and Gary Walkowicz.