Not Your Typical Politician

In the 2022 midterm elections, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez did what no political pundit or prognosticator thought possible—win, as a Democrat, a seat that is in the historically Republican 3rd District in southwest Washington. 

But that’s exactly what the 34-year-old, small business owner of an auto repair shop did and now she is helping make policy decisions as a new member of Congress. (She was sworn in just last month.) 

And she is coming to Seattle University for the latest installment of the Institute of Public Service’s “Conversations” speaker series.

Learn more about her refreshingly down-to-earth approach to politics and how she won over independent and Democratic voters—rural and suburban alike—at “Meet the Most Interesting New Politician in America: Washington’s Own U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez,” Friday, Feb. 24, 3-4 p.m., in the Oberto Commons at the Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez connected with voters by listening to them and understanding from her own experiences the challenges people face on a daily basis. 

“We are thrilled to have a chance to hear from the woman who surprised everybody by speaking common sense to voters,” says Joni Balter, IPS Professional in Residence who, along with IPS Professor Larry Hubbell, will moderate the discussion. “She brings sensible values to a Congress often driven by people yammering on about things that have little to do with the real problems people currently are facing.”

Learn more about the event and register for tickets as seating is limited.