Patty Murray has represented Washington since 1993, rising to senior leadership and shaping national debates on education, health care, veterans’ services, and family policy. She’s been a key player in budget negotiations and major appropriations, consistently emphasizing middle-class priorities and worker protections.
Murray has pushed to expand affordable college access, strengthen the ACA, and direct federal investment to Washington’s infrastructure and research economy. She’s widely viewed as a steady, institutional voice within the Democratic caucus.
Establishment Democrat
Fiscal ConservativeFiscal Progressive
Social ConservativeSocial Liberal
EstablishmentPopulist
HawkishDovish
Achievements
- Co-led major bipartisan budget frameworks and appropriations
- Expanded access to affordable education and student aid
- Strengthened veterans’ health care and family support policies
- Secured federal investments for WA infrastructure & research
- Advocated for women’s health and workplace protections
Controversies
- Critiques of “establishment” alignment within party leadership
- Support for large federal spending drew fiscal pushback
- Tensions over balancing environmental and industry interests
- Disagreements with rural constituencies on some priorities
- Debate over defense, trade, and regulatory scope
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | $163,529 | $163,529 | $0 |
| Microsoft Corp | $147,005 | $137,005 | $10,000 |
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $123,650 | $119,450 | $4,200 |
| Amazon.com | $112,004 | $102,004 | $10,000 |
| Boeing Co | $58,498 | $47,498 | $11,000 |
Amounts shown reflect reported cycle totals; “Individuals” vs. “PACs” are as provided.
Recent Elections
2010 Margin +4.8%
2016 Margin +18.0%
2022 Margin +14.4%