Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator from Washington
Maria Ellen Cantwell was born in October 1958 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
She began her political career after moving to Seattle, Washington, by working on a political campaign for Senator Alan Cranston. At the age of 28, Cantwell was elected to the Washington House of Representatives where she served six years before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. After two years there, she entered the private sector as vice president of marketing for Retail Networks.
She was urged to return to politics and was elected to the U.S. Senate, assuming her seat in January 2001.
Cantwell is single. She is a Catholic.
In the News…
Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the chamber’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said the panel will hold hearings on the aftermath of flights being canceled or delayed by Southwest Airlines over the holidays.
Many airlines experienced delays due to a heavy winter storm and many failed “to adequately communicate with consumers during flight cancellations,” she said. Singling out Southwest Airlines, she said, “Southwest’s customers are rightfully dissatisfied and deserve better.”
Senator Cantwell said she has spoken with the CEO of Southwest, Bob Jordan, and with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over her concerns. She said, “The Committee will be holding hearings for FAA reauthorization to examine how to strengthen consumer protections and airline operations.”
Contact this Leader…
Did you pray for Senator Cantwell today? You can let her know at:
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
Senator from Washington
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
