Congresswoman Ann Wagner has been a significant figure in U.S. politics, representing Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District since 2013. Below is a summary of her career, legislative activities, policy positions, and additional relevant information.
Career Path to Congress
- Early Life and Education: Ann Wagner was born on September 13, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis on logistics, from the University of Missouri-Columbia Business School in 1984.
- Professional Experience: After graduating, Wagner worked at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City and Ralston Purina in St. Louis.
- Political Involvement: Wagner began her political career as a local committeewoman in Lafayette Township. She served as the chair of the Missouri Republican Party from 1999 to 2005, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
- Diplomatic Role: From 2005 to 2009, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
- Congressional Election: In 2012, Wagner was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District and has been re-elected in subsequent elections.
Legislative Sponsorship
Throughout her tenure, Congresswoman Wagner has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation. A comprehensive list of her sponsored bills can be found on her official House website.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- Abortion: Wagner is a strong pro-life advocate. She has sponsored legislation to protect infant survivors of abortion and opposes federal funding for abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
- Healthcare: She has consistently voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, favoring free-market solutions to healthcare.
- Gun Control: Wagner supports Second Amendment rights and has opposed restrictions on gun purchases, voting against background checks for all firearm sales.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Tax Policy: Wagner advocates for lower individual and corporate taxes, emphasizing support for job creators, including large corporations.
- Regulation: She supports reducing federal regulations to promote economic growth and has backed legislation aimed at auditing federal agencies for reform or elimination.
Votes and Stances on National Defense
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Wagner has consistently supported the NDAA, underscoring the importance of a strong national defense. In January 2025, she was reappointed to the U.S. delegation to NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly, highlighting her ongoing commitment to national security.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): Although specific votes related to DARPA are not detailed, Wagner’s general support for defense initiatives aligns with the agency’s mission to advance military technology.
Demographic Data of Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District
As of the 2020 Census, Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District had a population of approximately 770,035 residents.
The district includes suburbs of St. Louis, such as Arnold, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and Wildwood, along with all of Franklin County and parts of St. Louis, St. Charles, and Warren Counties.
Controversial Statements or Actions
- 2020 Election Certification: In 2021, Wagner voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral victories in Pennsylvania and Arizona, which put her at odds with some other Missouri Republicans. She also criticized former President Donald Trump’s actions during the January 6 insurrection. However, she later expressed strong support for Trump’s 2024 reelection bid, a position that attracted attention due to her earlier criticisms.
Overall, Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s career reflects a blend of public service, political involvement, and advocacy for key issues affecting her constituents in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.