Jackie Speier

Karen Lorraine Jacqueline Speier, commonly known as Jackie Speier, was born on May 14, 1950. She is a distinguished American attorney and politician who represented California's 14th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2008 until 2023. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Speier succeeded in carrying forward the legacy of her mentor, Leo Ryan, who previously held the same congressional seat.

Speier’s political journey took a harrowing turn in 1978 when she served as Ryan's aide during a tragic event known as the Jonestown massacre. In that incident, she was shot five times but survived, an experience that profoundly shaped her commitment to public service. Before her congressional career, she served in the California State Senate, advocating for constituents in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

On April 8, 2008, Speier was elected in a special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman Tom Lantos. Throughout her tenure in Congress, she focused on a range of issues, including women's rights, healthcare, and gun control. In 2021, she made the decision not to run for re-election in the 2022 midterms, concluding a notable chapter in her long-standing dedication to public service and advocacy. Speier's career is marked by resilience, leadership, and a tireless commitment to her community.