Sharice Davids facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sharice Davids
Official Portrait, 2019
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 3rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2019
Preceded by	Kevin Yoder
Personal details
Born	Sharice Lynnette Davids (1980-05-22) May 22, 1980 (age 45) Frankfurt, West Germany (now Germany)
Nationality	American Ho-Chunk
Political party	Democratic
Education	Haskell Indian Nations University University of Kansas Johnson County Community College (AA) University of Missouri, Kansas City (BBA) Cornell University (JD)
Website

Sharice Davids (born May 22, 1980) is an American politician, lawyer, and former professional fighter. Since 2019, she has served in the United States House of Representatives for the 3rd district of Kansas. This area includes the Kansas part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

As a member of the Democratic Party, Davids made history with her election in 2018. She became the first openly LGBT Native American elected to the United States Congress. She was also one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, along with Deb Haaland.

Before her career in politics, Davids was an attorney. She also competed as a professional mixed martial artist.

Early Life and Schooling

Sharice Davids was born in Frankfurt, West Germany, on May 22, 1980. She is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, a Native American tribe. Her mother, Crystal Herriage, was a single parent who served in the U.S. Army.

Davids grew up in Kansas and went to several colleges. She earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2007. Later, she went to the famous Cornell Law School and graduated with a law degree in 2010.

Career as a Fighter

Before becoming a lawyer and politician, Davids had a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). She started as an amateur fighter in 2006 and turned professional in 2013.

As an amateur, she won five fights and lost only one. As a professional, her record was one win and one loss. She even tried out for the TV show The Ultimate Fighter. After not making it on the show, she decided to focus on a new path. She traveled across the country to work with Native American communities.

Professional Fight Record

Working as a Lawyer

After law school, Davids worked for a large law firm. She later used her skills to help the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She focused on projects to improve the economy and community.

In 2016, Davids was chosen for a special program called the White House Fellowship. This allowed her to work for the U.S. government during the change from President Barack Obama's administration to President Donald Trump's.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

Davids with former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.

In 2018, Sharice Davids decided to run for Congress. She wanted to represent Kansas's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

2018 Election

In the Democratic primary election, Davids won against several other candidates. In the main election in November 2018, she faced the Republican incumbent, Kevin Yoder. Davids won the election, becoming the first Democrat to represent her Kansas district in almost ten years.

Her victory was historic. Along with Deb Haaland of New Mexico, she became one of the first two Native American women in Congress. She was also the first openly LGBT person from Kansas to be elected to Congress.

2020 Election

Davids ran for reelection in 2020. She faced Republican candidate Amanda Adkins. Davids won the election with over 53% of the vote and continued to serve her district.

2022 Election

In 2022, the boundaries of Davids's district were changed, making the election more competitive. Despite this, she ran against Amanda Adkins again. Davids won for a third time, with an even larger share of the vote than in 2020.

Work in Congress

Davids (center) with fellow representatives Deb Haaland (left) and Markwayne Mullin (right) before a meeting.

As a representative, Davids works on several committees. These are small groups of lawmakers who focus on specific topics. Her work helps create new laws and oversee government actions.

In December 2019, Davids voted in favor of the impeachment of President Donald Trump. Impeachment is a process in the Constitution for Congress to decide if a president has committed a serious offense.

During her time in Congress, Davids has often voted in support of President Joe Biden's policies. She also helped pass the America COMPETES Act of 2022. This law was designed to help American companies compete with other countries like China.

Committee Work

• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Committee on Agriculture

Leadership Roles

• Chief Deputy Whip
• Co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
• Vice Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus
• Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition

Recognition and Awards

Davids doing pushups to choose her office space in Congress.

In 2019, Davids was praised by other members of Congress for her hard work as a new representative.

That same year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a key event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the website Queerty named Davids as a "trailblazing" individual. This was to honor her work for equality and acceptance.

Election Results

See also

In Spanish: Sharice Davids para niños

• List of LGBT members of the United States Congress
• List of Native Americans in the United States Congress
• Women in the United States House of Representatives