Sen. Patty Murray - D Washington, In Office - Biography

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Senate President Pro Temp Patty Murray

D Washington (1993-) In Office

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Biographical

Full Name: Patricia Lynn Murray
Gender: Female
Pronunciation: PAT-ee MUR-ree
Date of Birth: Oct. 11, 1950 (age: 73)
Place of Birth: Bothell, Wash.
Religion: Roman Catholic
Hometown: Bothell, Wash.
Place of Residence: Bothell, Wash.
Occupation: Educator
Alternate Name: Patricia Lynn Johns

Wikipedia

Official biography

Family:

Married: Rob Murray computer analyst, 1972

2 children: Sara, Randy

Biography:

As Washington state’s senior senator, Patty Murray has a proven track record spanning more than two decades of fighting for Washington state families in the United States Senate. Patty has established herself as a tireless and effective leader on education, transportation, budget issues, port security, health care, women and veterans issues.

In addition to being the first female senator from Washington state, Patty also served as the first female chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first female chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

Patty was born and raised in Bothell, Wash. Her dad ran a five and dime store on Main Street, where she and her siblings all worked growing up. As a twin and one of seven children, s he quickly learned the value of a strong work ethic and a country that supports those who fall on hard times when her father fell ill when she was 15. Patty’s father – a World War II veteran and a Purple Heart recipient – was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and in a few short years, his illness got so bad he couldn't work anymore. Patty’s mother, who had stayed home to raise their family, had to take care of him while also working to support their family. She found some work, but it didn’t pay enough to support Patty and her six brothers and sisters—and a husband with growing medical bills. Thankfully, they lived in a country where the government didn't just say “tough luck.”

Patty's family received some help from the VA for their father’s medical care, but for several months her family had to rely on food stamps. However, thanks to a program established by the federal government, Patty’s mother was able to go back to school in order to find a better paying job. And thanks to federal grants and student loans, Patty and her siblings were all able to attend college. While attending Washington State University, Patty took an internship in the psychiatric ward of the Seattle VA. It was there she personally witnessed the sacrifices of young Vietnam War veterans.

Never planning to enter politics, in the 1980’s a state politician told her she “couldn't make a difference” when she went to Olympia as a parent to advocate for a local preschool program targeted by state budget cuts. Patty responded by organizing a grassroots coalition of 13,000 parents that fought successfully to save the program. Patty went on to serve on the Shoreline School Board, and in 1988 was elected to the Washington State Senate. In 1992, she ran for the United States Senate as a voice for Washington families who were not being heard. Dramatically outspent, Patty ran a grassroots campaign of family, friends, supporters and public interest groups to beat a 10-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a unique voice in the United States Senate, Patty is known for her down-to-earth, determined style. She’s been called “a workhorse, not a show horse” by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for her intense, behind-the-scenes efforts to get the job done. She has also been described as "tenacious" in her work to address Washington state's needs by the Seattle Times. Patty is often looked to by colleagues and the media in Washington D.C. for her ability to articulate how complex issues affect every day American families. Recently, Patty reflected on her life experiences and how that impacts the decisions she makes as a U.S. senator today:

“I know the support we got from our government was the difference between seven kids who might not have graduated from high school or college—and the seven adults we've grown up to be today—all college graduates, all working hard and paying taxes, and all doing our best to contribute back to our communities. So this is the primary prism I view our nation’s budget through. And it’s what guides me as I work in the Senate to impact the choices we make. Not that government can or should solve every problem—of course it shouldn't, and it can’t. But that we are a nation that has always come together to stand with families like mine. To invest in our people, our communities, our future—and to build the most robust middle class the world has ever seen.”

Patty met her husband, Rob Murray, while attending Washington State University. They have been married since 1972 and have two grown children, Sara and Randy. Patty enjoys fishing, exploring Washington state’s great outdoors and spending time with her family. See more >>

Miscellaneous Links:

Ballotpedia

C-SPAN

GovTrack

Project VoteSmart

Campaign Links:

Website, campaign

Email, campaign: patty@pattymurray.com

X (Twitter), campaign

Instagram, campaign

Facebook, campaign

Open Secrets political finance profile

Social Networking:

X (Twitter), official

YouTube, official

Instagram, official

Medium, official

TikTok, campaign

Official Links:

Website, official

Press Releases

Education

Washington State University - BA, physical education (1972)

Office History

Congressional Offices:

U.S. Senate (Jan. 3, 1993-) In Office

Member, U.S. Senator for Washington

State Legislature Offices:

Washington Senate (Jan. 1989-Jan. 1993)

D Senator, District 1

Election Results

2017 (Nov. 8, 2016 election)

U.S. Senate Seat for Washington (Class 3)

Patricia Lynn Murray (Patty), 59.01%
Democrat

Chris Vance, 40.99%
Republican
2011 (Nov. 2, 2010 election)

U.S. Senate Seat for Washington (Class 3)

Patricia Lynn Murray (Patty), 52.36%
Democrat

Dino John Rossi, 47.64%
Republican
2005 (Nov. 2, 2004 election)

U.S. Senate Seat for Washington (Class 3)

Patricia Lynn Murray (Patty), 54.98%
Democrat

George Rector Nethercutt Jr., 42.74%
Republican

J. Mills, 1.21%
Libertarian

Mark B. Wilson, 1.08%
Green
1999 (Nov. 3, 1998 election)

U.S. Senate Seat for Washington (Class 3)

Patricia Lynn Murray (Patty), 58.41%
Democrat

Linda T. Smith, 41.59%
Republican
1993 (Nov. 3, 1992 election)

U.S. Senate Seat for Washington (Class 3)

Patricia Lynn Murray (Patty), 53.99%
Democrat

Rodney Dennis Chandler (Rod), 46.01%
Republican

Employment History

Shoreline (Wash.) Community College (1984-1987)

Instructor

Associated Organizations

Election campaign:

People for Patty Murray (Washington)

Own leadership PAC:

M-PAC

Board membership:

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (Jan. 2011-Jan. 2013)
Chair

Elected office:

Shoreline (Wash.) School District 412 (1985-1989)
Board Member

Awards

Legislative Champion Award (Food Lifeline) (Dec. 2023)
Congressional Bone Health Champion Award (Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation) (Oct. 2022)
Spirit of Enterprise Award (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) (June 2020)
Congressional Champion Award (YMCA of the USA) (March 2019)
National Service Champion Award (Voices for National Service) (2019)
Distinguished Community Health Champion (National Association of Community Health Centers Inc.) (2019)
Congressional Service Award (Voices for National Service) (May 2018)
Champions for Children Award (Save the Children) (March 2018)
Community Health Congressional Awards (National Association of Community Health Centers Inc.) (2018)
Excellence in Public Service Award (Population Association of America) (Sept. 2017)
Support of Military Families Award (National Military Family Association) (2017)
Distinguished Community Health Champion Award (National Association of Community Health Centers Inc.) (2017)
Golden Gavel Award (Washington Association of School Administrators) (2016)
Porker of the Month (Citizens Against Government Waste) (Dec. 2015)
Hero of Main Street (National Retail Federation) (July 2015)
Polio Eradication Champion Award (Rotary Foundation) (May 13, 2015)
Congressional Voice for Children Award (National Parent Teacher Association) (2015)
Centennial Leadership Award (National Parks Conservation Association) (2015)
Distinguished Service Award (Voices for National Service) (2015)
James D. Range Conservation Award (Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership) (2015)
Champion of Science Award (The Science Coalition) (Nov. 2013)
Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award (Military Officers Association of America) (April 2013)
Congressional Award (Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) (March 2013)
Porker of the Month (Citizens Against Government Waste) (March 2013)
Congressional Leadership Award (National Congress of American Indians) (March 2013)
Best of Congress Award (Working Mother Magazine) (July 2012)
Friend of the National Parks Award (National Parks Conservation Association) (July 2011)
Legislator of the Year Award (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) (2011)

Activities and Interests

Hobbies: spending time outdoors, fishing, spending time with family

Publications

Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate (2000)
Co-authors: Mikulski, Barbara Ann; Stabenow, Deborah Ann Greer; Feinstein, Dianne Goldman Berman; Cantwell, Maria Ellen; Boxer, Barbara Levy; Collins, Susan Margaret

Official Signature

Contact Information

Email, member official contact form
Email, press:
press@murray.senate.gov

Office Addresses:

Main Office:

Address:	154 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
Phone:	202-224-2621
Fax:	202-224-0238

Note: Toll-free, 866-481-9186

View Larger Map

Leadership Office:

Address:	104 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-4402
Phone:	202-224-5251
Fax:	202-224-6331

» District Offices

Privately Financed Travel

3 trips taken between 2002 - 2005 costing $16,876

See map of trips

Trip Destinations:

Trip Sponsors:

» see more

Personal Financial Disclosures

Disclosures as a member:

Annual: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2009 (Amendment), 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2003 (Amendment), 2002
Extension Letter: 2020
Stock transaction: 06/22/2017, 03/21/2017
» see more

Congressional Staff

Staff Turnover:

Turnover Index: 0.4
(House Average: 0.22)
» See more

Staff Salary Rate:

Office Median Annual Salary: $74,659.25
» See more

Staff Salaries Paid:

By Fiscal Year
By Calendar Year
By Quarter

» See full staffer list

» view all salaries

Committees

Senate Appropriations Committee, Chair

Senate Appropriations Committee Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee

Senate Appropriations Committee Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, Chair

Senate Appropriations Committee Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Homeland Security Subcommittee

Senate Appropriations Committee Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee

Senate Appropriations Committee Legislative Branch Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee

Senate Appropriations Committee State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee, Ex Officio

Senate Appropriations Committee Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Children and Families Subcommittee

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

Caucuses

Caught Our Eye

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NextEra Energy hires Dem aide as election approaches

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Oct. 23, 2020
A Green New Deal cosponsor has lost an aide to NextEra Energy — one of the companies most predicted to flourish under a Joe Biden presidency. read more
Congress remembers a political giant on Twitter

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Aug. 27, 2018
As the death of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) shook Congress and the rest of the country, members and staffers alike took to Twitter to share fond memories of the war hero and political giant.Here are some notable tweets from both sides of the aisle: read more
Jeff Bezos space company jets off with Sen. Murray aide

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Sept. 27, 2017
Jeff Bezos's space company is blasting off with a longtime aide to Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). read more
Based on paychecks, congressional staff strongly favor Clinton over Trump

Posted by Nate Hoffman on May 9, 2016
If the presidential race ends up being the insider Hillary Clinton versus the outsider Donald Trump, congressional staff are showing a crystal clear preference for the insider Clinton based on who they are working for. read more
From homeless to hate crime victim to Hill staffer

Posted by Sean Myers on March 4, 2016
A new Senate committee staffer faced a road fraught with adversity in his journey to the Hill. read more
Senate Budget staffer takes appropriations knowledge to lobbying world

Posted by Jenna Ebersole on July 16, 2015
A Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) legislative staffer and budget analyst on the Senate Budget Committee has picked up her first lobbying clients after leaving the Hill earlier this year. read more
Agriculture policy expert leaves Hill to advocate for sustainable farming

Posted by John Sugden on June 16, 2014
An experienced agriculture policy expert has left Capitol Hill to put down new roots at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.Paul Wolfe has joined the association of grassroots organizations as a policy specialist. He most recently worked on Sen. Maria Cantwell's (D-Wash.) staff as legislative counsel, with a focus on agriculture, among other issues. read more
Two Hill aides a day leaving to lobby

Posted by Nate Hoffman on April 28, 2014
Each business day this year, two congressional aides on average traded in their Capitol badges for jobs as federally registered lobbyists. read more
Ex-Senate Budget Committee aide brings in more money at Chevron

Posted by LegiStorm on March 31, 2014
A former Democratic Senate Budget Committee staffer has disclosed receiving a signing bonus and a significant raise to become an environmental analyst for Chevron Corp. read more
Posted by Garrett Snedeker on Feb. 10, 2012
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) this week pulled a new aide through the revolving door to become his education policy adviser. read more
Murray's former staff gravitate to defense lobbying

Posted by LegiStorm on Oct. 19, 2011
The "super committee" is certain to take a hard look at defense spending, and several former staffers to Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) may be contacting their old boss on behalf of defense contractors to make sure the cuts aren't too deep. read more

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Senate President Pro Temp Patty Murray

Biographical

Family:

Biography:

Miscellaneous Links:

Campaign Links:

Social Networking:

Official Links:

Press Releases

Education

Office History

Election Results

2017 (Nov. 8, 2016 election)

2011 (Nov. 2, 2010 election)

2005 (Nov. 2, 2004 election)

1999 (Nov. 3, 1998 election)

1993 (Nov. 3, 1992 election)

Employment History

Associated Organizations

Awards

Activities and Interests

Publications

Official Signature

Contact Information

Privately Financed Travel

Trip Destinations:

Trip Sponsors:

Personal Financial Disclosures

Congressional Staff

Staff Turnover:

Staff Salary Rate:

Staff Salaries Paid:

Committees

Caucuses

Caught Our Eye