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 military officer currently serving as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) since 2025. She holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Previously, she represented Hawaii's 2nd congressional district as a U.S. Representative from 2013 to 2021. Gabbard began her political career as the youngest state legislator in Hawaii from 2002 to 2004. Formerly a Democrat, she switched to the Republican Party in 2024.

Sections (5)

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

2002: Won Election to Hawaii House of Representatives

In 2002, after redistricting, Tulsi Gabbard won the four-candidate Democratic primary for the 42nd district of the Hawaii House of Representatives with a plurality of 43% of the vote. Gabbard then won the general election with 60.7% of the vote, defeating Republican Alfonso Jimenez. At the age of 21, Gabbard became the youngest legislator ever elected in Hawaii's history, and was at the time the youngest woman ever elected to a U.S. state legislature.

2005: Received 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." She has also been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the United States and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

March 2007: Graduated from Accelerated Officer Candidate School

In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy at the top of her class, becoming the first woman ever to do so. After successfully completing the officer training, Gabbard was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and assigned to the 29th Infantry Brigade Special Troops Battalion, this time to serve as an Army Military Police officer.

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 U.S. Congress.

2012: Spoke at 2012 Democratic National Convention

In 2012, as the Democratic nominee, Tulsi Gabbard was invited by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to speak at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, where she was introduced as "an emerging star." In the general election, she defeated Republican Kawika Crowley with 80.6% of the vote, becoming the first voting Samoan American and first Hindu member of Congress.

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

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

March 20, 2014: Honored by Elle magazine

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

In 2014, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to Congress, defeating Republican Kawika Crowley with 78.7% of the vote.

February 26, 2015: Received County Alumni Award

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

July 15, 2015: Received 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.

December 2016: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to Filipino Veterans

In December 2016, a bill co-sponsored by Tulsi 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: Reelected to Congress

In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to Congress with 81.2% of the vote, defeating Republican Angela Kaaihue.

2017: Introduction of Stop Arming Terrorists Act

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

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

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

October 16, 2018: Honored as Distinguished Alumni

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

2018: Amendment to Improve Protective Equipment for Civil Defense Agencies

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: Gabbard Earns Delegates in American Samoa

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

2020: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 enacted

In 2020, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 was enacted. This act included the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017 and prohibits the Department of Defense from knowingly providing support to Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

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, the youngest person to serve as DNI, and the first millennial to hold the office.