Elaine Luria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elaine Luria
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Scott Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Jen Kiggans |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Elaine Goodman Luria
August 15, 1975 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Robert Blondin
(m. 2005) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) Old Dominion University (MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1997–2017 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Commands | Assault Craft Unit 2 |
Elaine Luria (born August 15, 1975) is an American politician and a veteran of the United States Navy. She served as a U.S. representative for Virginia's 2nd district from 2019 to 2023. This district covers a large area in Virginia, including cities like Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and parts of Norfolk. Before becoming a politician, Luria was a naval officer for 20 years. She reached the rank of Commander and spent much of her time working on ships.
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Early Life and Military Career
Elaine Luria was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 15, 1975. Her family has a long history in Alabama. Her great-grandfather helped start a Reform Jewish community in Jasper, Alabama, in the early 1900s.
Luria finished high school in 1993. She then went to the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1997 with degrees in physics and history. In 2004, while serving in the Navy, she earned a master's degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.
Luria served in the United States Navy for two decades. She worked as an engineer, managing nuclear reactors on ships. She was one of the first American women sailors to spend her entire career on combat ships. From 2014 until she retired in 2017, she led a unit of 400 sailors called Assault Craft Unit TWO. She even held a Passover celebration on an aircraft carrier after the events of September 11, 2001.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Elaine Luria became a member of the United States House of Representatives in January 2019. She was one of many women elected to Congress that year, setting a new record. Her district, Virginia's 2nd congressional district, is located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Her Elections to Congress
In 2018, Luria ran for Congress and won against the Republican leader, Scott Taylor. She won again in 2020 in a rematch against Taylor. However, in 2022, she lost her election bid to Jen Kiggans.
Her Work in Congress
As a representative, Luria worked on various issues important to her district and the country.
Investigating the January 6 Attack
Luria was chosen to be part of the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack. This committee investigated the attack on the U.S. Capitol that happened on January 6, 2021. She helped lead one of the public hearings in July 2022. This hearing focused on what former President Donald Trump did, or didn't do, during the 187 minutes of the attack. Luria showed videos and documents to explain the events. She said that Trump's actions were part of a plan to stay in power.
Her Views on Important Issues
Luria shared her opinions on many topics during her time in Congress.
Defense and Veterans
Luria was the only Democrat to vote against ending a law that allowed military force in Iraq in 2021. She also worked to help veterans. In 2019, she introduced a law that increased benefits for veterans, which received support from both political parties.
Government and Economy
During a partial government shutdown in 2019, Luria asked for her own salary to be held back until other federal workers were paid. She also worked with other representatives to find a solution to end the shutdown.
Foreign Relations
Luria has always been a strong supporter of the relationship between the U.S. and Israel.
Immigration
In 2019, Luria was one of many House Democrats who supported having some kind of physical barrier at the U.S. border.
Climate Change
Luria believes in the scientific findings about climate change. She is concerned about how climate change affects global stability and military readiness.
Campaign Funding
When she first ran for Congress in 2018, Luria promised not to accept money from corporate political action committees (PACs). However, in 2020, she did accept some corporate PAC donations.
Committees and Groups She Joined
In Congress, Luria was part of several important committees and groups:
- Committee on Armed Services (where she was vice chair)
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs (where she led a subcommittee)
- Committee on Homeland Security
- Select Committee on the January 6 Attack
She was also a member of groups like the New Democrat Coalition and the Problem Solvers Caucus.
After Congress
After her time in Congress ended in 2023, Luria started a group called Defend Democracy PAC. This group aims to help elect Democrats to the Virginia General Assembly.
Personal Life
Elaine Luria is married to Robert Blondin, who is also a retired naval commander. They have a daughter together, born in 2009, and Luria has two stepchildren. The family lives in Norfolk. Luria attends a Reform Jewish synagogue in Norfolk.
See also
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
- List of Jewish members of the United States Congress
Images for kids
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Official photo of Elaine Luria from the 117th Congress.
