Tulsi Gabbard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tulsi Gabbard.

Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and U.S. military officer who served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004. Previously a member of the Democratic Party, she became an independent before joining the Republican Party in 2024. She has also served as the eighth director of national intelligence (DNI) since 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2002: Elected to Hawaii State Legislature

In 2002, at age 21, Tulsi Gabbard was elected to the Hawaii state legislature, becoming the youngest woman ever elected as a U.S. state representative after dropping out of Leeward Community College.

2005: Receives Combat Medical Badge

In 2005, Tulsi Gabbard received a Combat Medical Badge for participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

March 2007: Graduates from Accelerated Officer Candidate School

In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard graduated at the top of her class from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy, becoming the first woman ever to do so.

2009: Award from Kuwait National Guard

In 2009, Tulsi Gabbard received an award of appreciation from the Kuwait National Guard.

2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, becoming the first Samoan American and Hindu American member of the U.S. Congress.

January 22, 2013: Election as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)

On January 22, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was unanimously elected as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

March 2013: Introduces Helping Heroes Fly Act

In March 2013, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act to expedite airport security screening for severely wounded veterans. The bill was signed into law by President Obama.

November 25, 2013: Gabbard receives John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award

On November 25, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School for her efforts on behalf of veterans.

March 20, 2014: Elle magazine honors Gabbard

On March 20, 2014, Elle magazine honored Tulsi Gabbard at the Italian Embassy in the United States during its annual "Women in Washington Power List".

2014: Reelected to Congress

Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to Congress in 2014.

February 26, 2015: County Alumni Award

On February 26, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was honored with the County Alumni Award by the National Association of Counties for her commitment to the nation's counties.

July 15, 2015: Friend of the National Parks Award

On July 15, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the Friend of the National Parks Award from the National Parks Conservation Association.

February 2016: Talia's Law Passed by Congress

In February 2016, Congress passed Talia's Law.

December 2016: Talia's Law Signed into Law

In December 2016, Talia's Law, which aims at preventing child abuse and neglect on military bases, was signed into law.

December 2016: Filipino Veterans Bill Signed into Law

In December 2016, a bill co-sponsored by Gabbard and Senator Hirono to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino American veterans of World War II was signed into law by President Obama.

2016: Reelection to Congress

In the 2016 election, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to Congress.

September 30, 2018: Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award

On September 30, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was awarded the Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award at their annual Pearl Gala, recognizing her dedication to serving and empowering human trafficking survivors in Hawaii.

October 16, 2018: Hawaii Pacific University's Distinguished Alumni

On October 16, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was honored as Hawaii Pacific University's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni.

2018: Successful passage of amendment to improve protective equipment

In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to improve protective equipment for civil defense agencies near volcanic activity.

December 20, 2019: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Becomes Law

On December 20, 2019, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017, became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The act prohibits the Department of Defense from knowingly providing support to Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

March 3, 2020: Earning of delegates in American Samoa

On March 3, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard earned two delegates in American Samoa, making her the second woman of color and the first Asian-American and Pacific-Islander presidential candidate to earn primary delegates.

June 20, 2024: Champion's Award

On June 20, 2024, The Second Amendment Institute awarded the Champion's Award to Tulsi Gabbard at Second Amendment Institute's Annual Champion Ceremony in Washington, DC.

February 12, 2025: Sworn in as Director of National Intelligence

On February 12, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the 8th Director of National Intelligence (DNI), becoming the first female military combat veteran, Pacific Islander American, and Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position.

February 2025: Confirmed as DNI

In February 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), becoming the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American government official in U.S. history.