Mark Pocan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Pocan
Official portrait, 2017
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 2nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Tammy Baldwin
Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
In office May 23, 2017 – January 3, 2021 Serving with Pramila Jayapal
Preceded by	Keith Ellison
Succeeded by	Pramila Jayapal
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 78th district
In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Tammy Baldwin
Succeeded by	Brett Hulsey
Personal details
Born	Mark William Pocan (1964-08-14) August 14, 1964 (age 60) Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Philip Frank ​ (m. 2006)​
Relatives	William Pocan (brother)
Education	University of Wisconsin, Madison (BA)
Signature
Website

Mark William Pocan (born August 14, 1964) is an American politician and businessman. Since 2013, he has been a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district. This area includes the state's capital city, Madison.

As a member of the Democratic Party, Pocan is a leader in the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This group supports progressive ideas, which often focus on social and economic fairness. He is also a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, a group that works for the rights of LGBT people.

Before serving in Congress, Pocan was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1999 to 2013. He took over the seat from Tammy Baldwin, and he later replaced her in the U.S. House of Representatives as well.

Early Life and School

Mark Pocan was born and grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He went to Harvey Elementary School, Washington Junior High School, and Mary D. Bradford High School. In high school, he was elected senior class president.

After graduating in 1982, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He earned a degree in journalism in 1986.

Starting His Career

After college, Pocan started his own small business, a printing company called Budget Signs & Specialties. He joined the AFL-CIO, a large group of labor unions, as a small business owner.

His interest in politics began in college. In 1991, he was elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors. He served for three terms, representing the downtown Madison area until 1996.

Wisconsin State Assembly

Pocan at a school alliance banquet in 2012.

In 1998, his friend Tammy Baldwin left her seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly to run for Congress. Pocan decided to run for her open seat. He won the Democratic primary election with 54% of the vote. He then won the main election with 93% of the vote.

During his time in the state assembly, Pocan became known for his progressive ideas. He focused on important topics like improving the prison system, managing the state's money, and funding for schools. For six years, he was a member of the powerful Joint Finance Committee, which handles the state budget.

U.S. House of Representatives

Pocan speaking at an event in July 2018.

How He Was Elected

In 2012, Tammy Baldwin ran for the U.S. Senate, leaving her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives open. Pocan ran for her spot in Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district. He easily won the Democratic primary with 72% of the vote.

On November 6, 2012, Pocan won the general election with 68% of the vote, becoming a U.S. Representative.

Work in Congress

As a congressman, Pocan has been involved in many important issues. In 2018, he introduced a bill to change how the U.S. handles immigration. He wanted to create a system that he felt was more humane.

In 2023, Pocan was one of 56 Democrats who voted for a measure directing President Joe Biden to remove U.S. soldiers from Syria. He also voted against a major bill about government spending called the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

In April 2024, after aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed in a drone strike, Pocan and 39 other Democrats wrote a letter to President Biden. They asked him to rethink sending weapons to the Israeli military.

On July 19, 2024, Pocan publicly stated that he believed Joe Biden should not run for re-election in the 2024 United States presidential election.

Committee and Caucus Roles

Pocan serves on several committees in the House of Representatives. These are small groups of lawmakers who focus on specific topics. His committees include:

• Committee on Appropriations (which decides how the government spends money)
• Committee on Education and Labor

He is also a member of many caucuses, which are groups of members of Congress who share common interests or goals. Some of these include:

• Congressional Progressive Caucus
• Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus (Co-chair)
• Medicare for All Caucus
• Congressional Animal Protection Caucus

Political Views and Actions

Pocan is known as a progressive Democrat. He has worked with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Fair Wisconsin.

He has also been a strong voice on foreign policy. In 2018, he supported a bill to stop U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen. He argued that the war was causing a terrible humanitarian crisis, with many people starving.

Pocan also believes the U.S. should spend less money on the military. He and other progressive members of Congress tried to reduce the size of the nearly $740 billion defense budget in 2020. They argued the money could be better spent on things like healthcare and helping small businesses.

On December 18, 2019, Pocan voted in favor of both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Impeachment is a process the Constitution allows for charging a president with serious wrongdoing.

Personal Life

Pocan is a member of the LGBT community. This part of his identity has influenced his political work, especially his support for equal rights.

His brother, William S. Pocan, is a judge in Milwaukee County. Pocan is one of the few members of Congress who does not identify with a specific religion.

Awards and Recognition

Pocan has received many awards for his work as a politician, including:

• Fair Wisconsin Statewide Leader Award (2009)
• Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Legislator of the Year (2008)
• Wisconsin Library Association’s Public Policy Award (2008)
• Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Conservation Champion (2006)
• ACLU Special Recognition Award (2001)

Election Results

U.S. House of Representatives (2012–present)

See also

In Spanish: Mark Pocan para niños

• List of LGBT members of the United States Congress