United States Senator from WA


Maria Cantwell is the senior U.S. Senator from Washington, ranking member of the Commerce Committee, serving her fifth term.
Maria Ellen Cantwell, Washington's senior senator since 2001, has been a leading Democratic voice on energy, technology, and economic policy affecting the aerospace and maritime industries. An Indianapolis native and Miami University of Ohio graduate, Cantwell moved to Washington state in the 1980s and was elected to the Washington State House at age 28, serving one term. After a 1993-1995 House tenure and a stint as an executive at RealNetworks, the Internet streaming pioneer, she returned to seek the Senate, narrowly defeating incumbent Slade Gorton in 2000. Re-elected in 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2024, Cantwell has become a central figure in technology and energy legislation. In the 119th Congress, she serves as ranking member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and also sits on Finance, Indian Affairs, and Small Business. Her priorities include Boeing and aerospace manufacturing, clean energy and hydrogen development, ocean and fisheries policy, technology regulation and cybersecurity, and broadband deployment across rural communities.