Health Policy Profiles

Health care backgrounds and interests of the new members of Congress

Learn about the 12 freshman members of the 119th Congress most likely to impact health policy

Our profiles provide the backgrounds of the 12 newly-elected freshman members we predict will make a significant impact on health policy over the next two years.

HPP 119

After being sworn in January 3, 2025, the 119th Congress will address critical health issues, including lowering prescription drug costs, addressing mental health and veteran care gaps, tackling provider workforce shortages and improving access to affordable health care.

As first-time representatives, freshman members will be motivated to develop and vote on legislation that’s important to them and their constituents. As such, CURA researched all freshman members to find those whose background and interests make them more likely to make an impact on health policies.

Download CURA’s latest edition of Health Policy Profiles to explore the positions, passions and personal backgrounds of the 12 newly elected freshman members of the 119th Congress we believe are poised to significantly influence key health care issues over the next two years.

The Top Freshman Members to Watch

Michael Baumgartner
(R-WA-05)

An Informed Eye on Drug Supply

Sheri Biggs
(R-SC-03)

Providing High-Flying Hands-on Healing to Heroes

Herb Conaway
(D-NJ-03)

New Jersey’s Airman, Physician and Longtime Legislator

Jeff Crank
(R-CO-05)

For Abundance and Prosperity in American Health Care

Maxine Dexter
(D-OR-03)

The Pulmonologist Putting Public Health Policy Into Practice

Troy Downing
(R-MT-02)

Bringing Down(ing) Costs for Prescription Drugs

Julie Johnson
(D-TX-32)

Everything’s Bigger in Texas, Including Health Care Agendas

Mike Kennedy
(R-UT-03)

A Shot of Conservative Values in Health Care

Kelly Morrison
(D-MN-03)

Bringing Compassion as an OB to the House Floor

Bob Onder
(R-MO-03)

From Allergies to Conservative Health Care Advocacy

Emily Randall
(D-WA-06)

Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Legislator Advancing Health Access and Equity

Lateefah Simon
(D-CA-12)

Riding the Rails to Universal Health Care

In addition to including fun facts and conversation starters, each profile contains the following information:

  • Personal health care experience
  • Age, gender, marital status
  • State, district, party affiliation
  • Political, military, education and career history
  • Public positions on key health care issues such as:
    • Prescription drug pricing
    • COVID-19
    • Reproductive health
    • Mental health
    • Military & veterans health
    • Marijuana & psychedelics legalization
HPP Profile Image

Previous editions of Health Policy Profiles:

HPP 118

Jan. 2023 – Jan. 2025

HPP 117

Jan. 2021 – Jan. 2023