Tulsi Gabbard, born April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, has forged a remarkable path through American politics and military service. Her family moved to Hawaii when she was two years old, where she was raised in a multicultural household with four siblings.
Political Career
At just 21 years old, Gabbard made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002. After serving one term, she enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003, demonstrating her commitment to public service. She served in the Hawaii House of Representatives until 2004.
In 2012, Gabbard won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. Her election marked several historic firsts – she became the first American Samoan and first Hindu member of Congress. During her tenure from 2013 to 2021, she advocated for progressive causes including universal healthcare and environmental protection.
Military Service
Gabbard’s military career spans over two decades. She deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005 as a medical unit specialist, earning a Combat Medical Badge. In 2007, she graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School as the distinguished honor graduate. She served in Kuwait from 2008-2009 as an Army Military Police platoon leader. After serving in the Hawaii Army National Guard until 2020, she transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, where she currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Political Evolution
Initially a rising star in the Democratic Party, Gabbard served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013-2016. She ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but suspended her campaign and endorsed Joe Biden. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, becoming an independent before joining the Republican Party in October 2024.
Recent Developments
In a significant career turn, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence in his second administration, positioning her to oversee 18 intelligence agencies.
Personal Life
Gabbard practices Hinduism, specifically Gaudiya Vaishnavism. She was named after Tulasi, a sacred plant in Hinduism. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University, completed in 2009. Currently married to Abraham Williams since 2015, she was previously married to Eduardo Tamayo from 2002 to 2006.
Citations:
[1] https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/tulsi-gabbard/
[2] https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_Gabbard
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vnx8zn440o
[4] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tulsi-Gabbard
[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/meet-tulsi-gabbards-family-all-about-her-parents-siblings-and-husband/articleshow/115334744.cms
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_Gabbard
[7] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/5-things-to-know-about-tulsi-gabbard-trumps-choice-for-director-of-national-intelligence
[8] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5513385/bio/
[9] https://yearbook.lib.iastate.edu/expert-tulsi-gabbard-info-to-read-now
[10] https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/30/politics/tulsi-gabbard-fast-facts/index.html
[11] https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/G000571
[12] https://cdn.govexec.com/media/syndication/IAVA/Gabbard.pdf
[13] https://premierespeakers.com/speakers/tulsi-gabbard
[14] http://ddcapp.oklegislature.gov/legislatordetail.aspx?LegisID=GabbXTulXXXXXXXHI
