We have some huge, exciting news to share! Your favorite podcast, “The Nation’s Leaders from Coast to Coast,” is getting bigger and better. Don’t worry, Stephen and Leah aren’t going anywhere! We’re not changing the great historical insight you love; we’re just adding more of it, with more ways for you to get involved!

Starting now, you can look forward to three special, themed episodes every single week, each focusing on a unique aspect of American history.

We’re also thrilled to launch a brand new way for you to engage directly with the show. On our website, you can now visit the “Upcoming Episodes” section to see the profiles of the leaders we’ll be covering up to 10 days in advance!

If a particular leader’s story sparks a question in your mind or you have a comment about their legacy, you can send it to us directly through the new submission form. You might just hear your question featured and answered on an upcoming episode!

This is a whole new chapter for the podcast, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Thank you for listening and being the best part of our community.

And remember: Better Pointed Words than Pointed Swords!

Lloyd Doggett has one of the longest and most varied careers in public service, having served as a Texas State Senator and a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court before his election to Congress in 1994.

He is a senior and powerful member of the House Ways and Means Committee and serves as the top Democrat (Ranking Member) on the influential Health Subcommittee.

A key part of his story is his political resilience, having successfully won re-election for decades despite his Austin-based district being repeatedly redrawn by political opponents.

He is one of Congress’s leading progressive voices and policy experts on healthcare and tax policy, known for his staunch defense of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare.

“A veteran of Texas politics since the 1970s, Lloyd Doggett has built a career as one of Congress’s most tenacious and knowledgeable progressive voices on healthcare and tax policy.”

Lloyd Doggett: A Progressive Champion Forged by Decades of Service

Representative Lloyd Doggett’s career is a sweeping story of dedication to public service that spans over five decades. From the Texas Legislature and the state’s highest court to the senior ranks of a powerful U.S. House committee, he has been a consistent and formidable progressive champion. His work is defined by a deep mastery of policy and a resilience honed by years of political battles.

Doggett’s journey began in the Texas Senate, where he served for 12 years. He then achieved a rare feat for a future federal lawmaker, winning a statewide election to serve as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court. This judicial experience provided him with an expert-level understanding of the law that would become a hallmark of his later career. In 1994, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has served ever since. A key theme of his congressional career has been his fight against partisan gerrymandering, as his Austin-based district has been repeatedly redrawn by opponents in an effort to unseat him. His continued electoral success is a testament to his strong connection with his constituents.

In Congress, Rep. Doggett is a senior member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees all tax, trade, and healthcare policy. His influence is most pronounced in his role as the Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee, making him the leading Democrat on all matters of national health policy. He has been a chief defender of the Affordable Care Act, a vocal proponent of strengthening Medicare, and a leader in the fight to lower prescription drug costs.

As a respected progressive voice, Doggett uses his committee posts to advocate for a fairer tax code that benefits working families and to protect social safety net programs. His long and varied career has cemented his reputation as a principled workhorse and one of the most intellectually formidable members of Congress.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Lloyd_Doggett

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/lloyd_doggett/400111

#Representative #Texas #Democrat #LloydDoggett

Lloyd Smucker grew up in an Amish family in Lancaster County, a background that uniquely shapes his perspective on hard work and community.

Before entering politics, he founded and ran a successful commercial construction company for 25 years.

He serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he is an influential voice on tax, trade, and economic policy.

His legislative priorities are deeply informed by his business experience, focusing on fiscal conservatism, reducing regulations, and promoting economic growth.

“From his roots in an Amish family to building a successful company from the ground up, Lloyd Smucker brings a uniquely American business perspective to his work on national economic policy.”

Lloyd Smucker: From Amish Roots to Economic Policy Shaper

Representative Lloyd Smucker’s life story is a quintessential American journey of hard work and entrepreneurship. His path from a childhood in an Amish family to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee is a testament to a unique background that deeply informs his pro-business, fiscally conservative approach to governance.

Smucker was raised in a large Amish family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. As a young man, he made the decision to leave the Amish community and pursue a different path. With a formal education that ended after the eighth grade, a common practice in his community, he started his own business. Over 25 years, he grew the Smucker Company from a small operation into a large and successful commercial construction firm with over 150 employees. This firsthand experience of building a business from scratch, managing a payroll, and navigating government regulations is the cornerstone of his political identity.

After his long career in the private sector, Smucker entered public service, first serving in the Pennsylvania State Senate. In 2016, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he now represents Pennsylvania’s 11th district, which includes his home of Lancaster County.

In Congress, Rep. Smucker secured a coveted seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, the oldest and one of the most powerful committees in Congress, with jurisdiction over all tax, trade, and economic policy. Drawing directly on his decades of business experience, he has become a leading voice for policies that support economic growth, such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He champions fiscal responsibility, advocates for reducing the national debt, and works to create a regulatory environment that he believes fosters entrepreneurship and job creation.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Lloyd_Smucker

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/lloyd_smucker/412722

#Representative #Pennsylvania #Republican #LloydSmucker

Patty Murray is the first woman to serve as President pro tempore of the United States Senate, making her third in the line of presidential succession.

She first ran for office as a “mom in tennis shoes,” a brand built on being a pragmatic advocate for working families after a state legislator dismissed her concerns.

She is the senior-most Democrat and former chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which controls all federal discretionary spending.

Throughout her career, she has been a leading voice on healthcare, women’s health, education, and veterans’ issues.

“From a self-described ‘mom in tennis shoes’ to one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government, Patty Murray’s career is a masterclass in persistent, pragmatic leadership.”

Patty Murray: A Trailblazer’s Rise to the Top of the Senate

Senator Patty Murray’s journey in American politics is a remarkable story of how a grassroots advocate can rise to the highest echelons of power. As the first woman to ever serve as the President pro tempore of the Senate, she holds a historic position in the U.S. government. Her long and influential career has been defined by a tenacious, no-nonsense approach to legislating, always rooted in the kitchen-table issues facing American families.

Murray’s entry into politics is legendary. In the 1980s, as a concerned parent, she went to the state capitol to advocate against cuts to a local preschool program. A state legislator dismissed her concerns, telling her she couldn’t make a difference because she was “just a mom in tennis shoes.” This moment galvanized her. Instead of backing down, she organized a coalition of parents, successfully fought the cuts, and then ran for office herself, winning a seat on her local school board and later in the Washington State Senate. She carried that “mom in tennis shoes” brand all the way to the U.S. Senate in 1992, during the historic “Year of the Woman.”

In the U.S. Senate, Murray has built a reputation as a deeply knowledgeable and effective legislator. She has served on and chaired some of the most powerful committees, including the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and, most significantly, the influential Appropriations Committee. As the former chair and now senior-most Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, she has been a central figure in negotiating the nation’s budget, directing federal funding to everything from medical research to national infrastructure.

Her legislative priorities have been consistent throughout her career: expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting women’s reproductive rights, supporting early childhood education, and ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned. Her election by her colleagues to the position of President pro tempore not only places her third in the line of presidential succession but also serves as a testament to the deep respect she has earned as a pragmatic leader and a tireless advocate for the state of Washington.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Patty_Murray

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/patty_murray/300076

#Senator #Washington #Democrat #PattyMurray

Gus Bilirakis was elected in 2006 to the same congressional seat his father, Michael Bilirakis, held for 24 years, continuing a family legacy of public service.

He is a senior and influential member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he is a nationally recognized leader on issues affecting military veterans.

He also holds a senior position on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, focusing on healthcare and technology policy.

His legislative work is heavily focused on constituent services, particularly for the large populations of veterans and seniors in his Tampa Bay-area district.

“Continuing a family legacy, Gus Bilirakis has carved out his own distinct identity in Congress as a tireless and effective advocate for America’s veterans.”

Gus Bilirakis: A Legacy of Service to Veterans and Florida

Representative Gus Bilirakis’s career in public service is deeply intertwined with the history of his Florida district. When he was elected to Congress in 2006, he succeeded his own father, Michael Bilirakis, continuing a family legacy of representation. Over his tenure, he has built a national reputation as a quiet but formidable workhorse, dedicating his efforts to two key constituencies: the nation’s veterans and the residents of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Before his time in Washington, Bilirakis served in the Florida House of Representatives and ran his own law practice, focusing on wills, trusts, and probate law. This background in local and state-level service gave him a deep appreciation for the day-to-day issues facing his community. When his father retired, he ran for and won the seat, bringing that constituent-focused mindset to the federal level.

In Congress, Rep. Bilirakis has become one of the most respected voices on military and veterans’ issues. As a senior member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he has been instrumental in crafting and passing key legislation to improve the lives of those who have served. His work has focused on improving healthcare access through the VA, addressing the health effects of toxic exposure from burn pits, expanding mental health resources, and ensuring veterans receive the benefits they have earned. This focus is a direct reflection of his district, which is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country.

Beyond his signature work for veterans, Bilirakis is also a senior member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. Through his role on the Health subcommittee, he has been deeply involved in shaping healthcare policy, with a particular focus on issues affecting seniors, such as Medicare and prescription drug costs. His approach to legislating is defined by a commitment to pragmatic, often bipartisan, solutions that directly impact the well-being of his constituents, cementing his reputation as a dedicated and effective public servant.

Sources Used

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/gus_bilirakis/412250

#Representative #Florida #Republican #GusMBilirakis

Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Delaware’s at-large district.

Before her congressional career, she made history in 2020 as the first openly transgender State Senator in U.S. history.

She was a prominent national advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, serving as the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign.

Her legislative focus is on healthcare, paid family and medical leave, and universal pre-kindergarten, issues she championed in the Delaware state legislature.

“From a state-level trailblazer to a national historic figure, Sarah McBride’s career is a landmark in American politics, fundamentally expanding the scope of representation in the halls of Congress.”

Sarah McBride: A Historic Voice for Delaware

Representative Sarah McBride’s election to Congress is a watershed moment in American history. As the first openly transgender person to serve in the U.S. House, her career is one of trailblazing advocacy, effective legislating, and breaking down barriers. Her journey from a student activist to a national spokesperson and now a federal lawmaker is a story of resilience and a commitment to creating a more inclusive government.

McBride’s work in public service began long before her own campaigns. While still in college, she interned in the Obama White House, becoming the first openly transgender woman to work there in any capacity. She became a leading voice for LGBTQ+ equality, eventually serving as the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. In this role, she became a prominent national figure, advocating for non-discrimination protections across the country.

She first entered elected office in 2020, when she made history by winning a seat in the Delaware State Senate, becoming the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the United States at the time. As a state senator, she was a highly effective legislator, successfully championing and passing landmark legislation to provide paid family and medical leave for workers across the state.

In 2024, McBride ran for and won the election to represent Delaware’s at-large congressional district, which covers the entire state. Her victory marked another historic first, making her the first openly transgender person elected to federal office. In Congress, she continues to focus on the core economic and healthcare issues she championed in the state legislature. She is an advocate for lowering healthcare costs, ensuring access to quality education, and supporting working families, bringing a powerful and historic new voice to the national conversation.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Sarah_McBride

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/sarah_mcbride/456956

Human Rights Campaign Profile: https://www.hrc.org/p/sarah-mcbride

#Representative #Delaware #Democrat #SarahMcBride

Before Congress, Gabe Vasquez had an extensive career in conservation and public lands advocacy, working for organizations like the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.

He served on the Las Cruces City Council, giving him experience in local government before running for federal office.

He represents New Mexico’s 2nd District, a vast, rural, and politically competitive district covering the southern part of the state, including a large portion of the U.S.-Mexico border.

His key legislative priorities include protecting public lands, ensuring water security for the arid southwest, and addressing the economic needs of rural communities.

“From the rugged landscapes of the desert southwest to the halls of Congress, Gabe Vasquez’s career has been defined by a deep-seated commitment to the land and the people who depend on it.”

Gabe Vasquez: A Conservationist’s Voice for New Mexico

Representative Gabe Vasquez brings a unique and vital perspective to Washington, D.C., one shaped by a lifetime spent in the American Southwest and a career dedicated to conserving its natural resources. As a first-generation American and an avid outdoorsman, his work is deeply rooted in the culture and landscape of southern New Mexico. His journey from a conservation advocate and city councilor to a member of Congress is a story of community-focused leadership.

Vasquez’s professional life before politics was centered on the environment. He worked for a variety of conservation organizations, including the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, where he advocated for the protection of public lands, wildlife habitats, and the state’s precious water resources. This hands-on experience gave him a profound understanding of the complex issues facing the arid West, from drought and water rights to the economic importance of outdoor recreation. He then translated this advocacy into public service at the local level, winning a seat on the Las Cruces City Council in 2017, where he worked on economic development and community initiatives.

In 2022, Vasquez ran for Congress in New Mexico’s 2nd District, one of the most competitive and geographically largest districts in the country. He successfully flipped the seat, becoming a leading voice for the rural and diverse communities that stretch across the state’s southern border. In Congress, he has secured assignments on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, positions that are critical to the needs of his district.

As a representative, Vasquez has made the issues he has worked on his entire career his top priorities. He is a staunch advocate for policies that address long-term drought and ensure water security for New Mexico’s farmers and residents. He champions the protection of public lands, recognizing their value for both conservation and the local economy. As a moderate Democrat representing a swing district, he focuses on building bipartisan solutions to the practical challenges facing his constituents, from supporting the district’s military installations to improving infrastructure in rural areas.

Sources Used

#Representative #NewMexico #Democrat #GabeVasquez

Before entering politics, Suzan DelBene had a long and successful career as a technology executive, including a significant tenure at Microsoft.

She serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over taxes, trade, and healthcare policy.

She is the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, an influential group of over 100 pragmatic, pro-growth House Democrats.

Her legislative focus is heavily influenced by her tech background, centering on issues like data privacy, digital trade, and fostering innovation.

“From the corporate boardrooms of the tech industry to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Suzan DelBene’s career is a prime example of how private sector expertise can directly shape public policy.”

Suzan DelBene: A Tech Leader’s Pragmatic Approach to Policy

Representative Suzan DelBene’s path to Congress was not through traditional politics, but through the fast-paced world of the technology industry. Her extensive experience as a successful tech executive, including a long tenure at Microsoft, provides her with a unique and influential perspective in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a leading voice for pragmatic, pro-growth policies, she has become a key player on issues of technology, trade, and the digital economy.

DelBene’s career began in the private sector, where she rose through the ranks to become a respected leader in the tech world. She served as a vice president at Microsoft, leading business and marketing for the mobile division, and held executive roles at other tech companies. This background gave her firsthand experience in innovation, global competitiveness, and the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy. Before her final run for Congress, she also served in the public sector as the Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue, where she was tasked with streamlining the state’s tax agency and making it more efficient.

After an unsuccessful first run, DelBene was elected to Congress in 2012. She quickly put her expertise to use, securing a coveted spot on the House Ways and Means Committee. This is one of the most powerful committees in Congress, with authority over all tax-writing, international trade agreements, and major healthcare programs like Medicare. In this role, she has championed policies to support working families, such as expanding the Child Tax Credit, and has been deeply involved in shaping international trade deals to benefit Washington’s export-heavy economy.

As the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, an influential group of centrist, business-friendly Democrats, Rep. DelBene plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the business community and her party. Her legislative priorities are a direct reflection of her professional background; she is a leading author of data privacy legislation, an advocate for expanding broadband access, and a champion for policies that foster technological innovation and keep the U.S. competitive on the global stage.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Suzan_DelBene

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/suzan_delbene/412505

#Representative #Washington #Democrat #SuzanKDelBene

Joseph Morelle spent 28 years in the New York State Assembly, including 12 years as Majority Leader, before being elected to Congress.

He entered the House of Representatives in 2018, succeeding the late Louise Slaughter, a prominent Democrat.

His legislative focus includes healthcare accessibility, manufacturing job growth, and protecting Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes.

He serves on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, advocating for federal investments in his district.

“Morelle’s journey from decades in state government to the halls of Congress showcases a career built on understanding local needs and navigating complex legislative processes.”

Joseph Morelle: From State House Leader to Congressional Advocate for Rochester

Representative Joseph Morelle’s career is a testament to the power of dedicated public service, deeply rooted in his home state of New York. After nearly three decades as a prominent leader in the New York State Assembly, Morelle transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a wealth of legislative experience and a profound understanding of his Rochester-area constituents. This episode explores the journey of a lawmaker whose steady hand and deep local ties define his approach to federal policy.

Morelle’s political foundation was laid in the New York State Assembly, where he served for an extraordinary 28 years. For 12 of those years, he held the influential position of Assembly Majority Leader, making him a central figure in state legislative priorities and negotiations. During this time, he was instrumental in passing legislation related to healthcare, education, economic development, and environmental protection, consistently advocating for the needs of Rochester and the broader Finger Lakes region. This extensive tenure as a state leader provided him with a unique legislative skillset—the ability to build coalitions, negotiate complex budgets, and shepherd significant bills into law.

In 2018, Morelle made the leap to federal politics, winning the election to represent New York’s 25th Congressional District, succeeding the late Representative Louise Slaughter, a long-serving and respected Democrat. His arrival in Washington was marked by his immediate engagement with issues vital to his district, which encompasses Rochester and its surrounding suburbs.

In Congress, Representative Morelle serves on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. This assignment is critical, as it directly influences federal spending and allows him to advocate for federal investments in infrastructure, scientific research, and job creation initiatives for his district. His legislative priorities reflect his long-standing commitment to his constituents: he is a strong proponent of expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and fostering economic growth through support for advanced manufacturing—a vital sector in the Rochester area. Furthermore, he is a vocal advocate for environmental protection, particularly for the health of Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes, recognizing their economic and ecological importance to his region. Morelle’s career exemplifies a lawmaker who effectively bridges state and federal levels of governance, always with an eye toward delivering tangible results for his community.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Joseph_Morelle

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/joseph_morelle/412749

#Representative #NewYork #Democrat #JosephDMorelle

When first elected in 2014 at age 30, Elise Stefanik was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time.

Her career is marked by a significant political evolution from a moderate, Paul Ryan-style Republican to one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent and loyal defenders.

She currently serves as the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the number three leadership position for Republicans in the House of Representatives.

She represents New York’s vast 21st District, a rural area known as the “North Country,” which is home to the major military installation, Fort Drum.

“Her rapid ascent from a freshman lawmaker to the third-highest-ranking House Republican is a case study in the shifting dynamics of the modern GOP.”

From Rising Star to Leadership: The Evolution of Elise Stefanik

Elise Stefanik’s career in Congress has been one of the most rapid and notable transformations in modern American politics. First elected as a young, pragmatic moderate, she has since ascended to the highest ranks of House Republican leadership as a staunch ally of the party’s populist wing. This episode explores the career of the representative from New York’s North Country, charting her journey and her impact on the national stage.

Elected in 2014 at the age of 30, Stefanik made history as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at that time. With a background in the George W. Bush administration and as an aide to her mentor, former Speaker Paul Ryan, her initial profile was that of a policy-focused, traditional Republican. Her early years in Congress were dedicated to the specific needs of her vast, rural district, with a focus on issues important to Fort Drum, local agriculture, and small businesses.

The turning point in her career came during the first impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump in 2019. Her aggressive and vocal defense of the president during the televised hearings elevated her national profile significantly. This marked a clear pivot, aligning her with the populist base of the party. This new alignment culminated in her successful 2021 bid to replace Representative Liz Cheney as the Chair of the House Republican Conference.

In her current role as the number three House Republican, Stefanik is responsible for leading the party’s messaging and communications strategy. While her national profile has grown, she maintains a strong focus on the local issues of her district, from advocating for military families at Fort Drum to supporting the region’s economy. Her career serves as a powerful example of the political shifts within the Republican Party over the last decade.

Sources:

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/elise_stefanik/412648

#Representative #NewYork #Republican #EliseMStefanik