Marilyn Strickland is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Washington’s 10th congressional district since January 3, 2021. Born on September 25, 1962, in Seoul, South Korea, she moved to the United States with her family at a young age. Strickland graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Washington in 1980, earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington in 1984, and later obtained her Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University in 1992.

Before her tenure in Congress, Strickland had an extensive career in public service and business. She served on the Tacoma City Council from 2008 to 2009 and was the Mayor of Tacoma from 2010 to 2017. Following her mayoralty, she was the president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2019, emphasizing business development and economic growth in the Seattle area.

Strickland is actively engaged in numerous legislative initiatives during her time in Congress, focusing primarily on issues related to armed services, health equity, and economic justice. Notably, she has sponsored or co-sponsored several significant bills, which reflect her policy priorities:

• HB318 - Protecting Homeowners from Disaster Act of 2023: This bill aims to repeal limitations on deductions for personal casualty losses, enhancing tax relief for homeowners affected by disasters.

• HB236 - Battle Buddy Check Week: This legislation designates a specific week each year for outreach events aimed at veteran wellness checks, addressing critical mental health issues among veterans.

• HB970 - Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025: Aimed at improving the quality of life and support for military families, this act addresses various needs within the armed services community.

• HB1543 - EQUITY Act: This legislation seeks to ensure equal treatment for service members, fighting for fairness and equality within military ranks.

Additionally, Strickland's involvement in health-related legislation is highlighted by her sponsorship of the HEARD Act, which aims at increased investment in rare diseases that disproportionately affect minority groups. Her commitment to equity extends into environmental issues, as seen in her support for the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act, which honors the contributions of African American soldiers in U.S. history, reflecting her dedication to recognizing and addressing historical injustices.

Political analysts view Strickland as a moderate Democrat who prioritizes coalition-building, especially in her efforts to address issues facing marginalized communities. Her legislative agenda indicates a strong commitment to social equity, economic development, and support for veterans and their families. She aims to build bridges across party lines to further progressive policies that address both local and national challenges.

In her personal life, Strickland is known for her commitment to community engagement and public service, drawing inspiration from her personal story as an immigrant and her experiences in various leadership roles. Her diverse background and extensive public service experience inform her approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of inclusive representation and advocacy for those often unheard in political discourse.