Jack Reed is a Democratic senator from Rhode Island and one of the chamber’s most influential voices on defense and military policy. First elected to the Senate in 1996, he has since developed a reputation as a disciplined, detail-heavy legislator who favors stability and institution-building over theatrics.
Born November 12, 1949, in Cranston, Rhode Island, Reed graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, served as an Army Ranger and paratrooper, then earned a master’s from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He later served in the Rhode Island Senate and in the U.S. House before winning his Senate seat.
In Washington, Reed is known for work on veterans’ benefits, housing, higher education funding, and national defense. As chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he plays a central role in shaping the annual defense bill and oversees military readiness, procurement, and strategic posture. He wins re-election comfortably — including a ~33-point margin in 2020.
Establishment Democrat
Achievements
- Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shaping major defense authorization bills
- Championed expanded veterans' healthcare, GI Bill benefits, and post-service transition programs
- Backed increased federal investment in public education, affordable housing, and infrastructure
- Advocated for economic security measures in Rhode Island, including workforce training and housing assistance
Controversies
- Criticized by some progressives for strong, consistent support of high defense spending levels
- Faced local pushback over base restructuring and defense procurement priorities
- Viewed as cautious toward major Wall Street crackdowns, drawing occasional criticism from the party’s left flank
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin | $54,800 | $46,800 | $8,000 |
| L3Harris Technologies | $54,725 | $39,725 | $15,000 |
| General Atomics | $41,650 | $32,650 | $9,000 |
| Greenberg Traurig LLP | $40,800 | $25,800 | $15,000 |
| RTX Corp | $31,460 | $19,460 | $12,000 |
Totals reflect organization-linked and PAC giving, especially from defense and legal sectors.
Recent Elections
1996 Margin D +23%
2008 Margin D +37%
2014 Margin D +29%
2020 Margin D +33%