Alumna in Congress Listed among
Most Influential Conservative Women

PCC graduate (’90) Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), in her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, was recently named the fifth most influential conservative woman in politics by conservative political blogger John Hawkins. She was also voted one of the “Most Loved” colleagues to work with by fellow members of Congress (Newsmax, Dec. ’09).

PCC’s first graduate to be elected to the House of Representatives, McMorris Rodgers represents Washington State’s 5th Congressional District, serves as Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, and holds a place on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. These positions make her the highest-ranking female Republican in Congress.

Her interest in politics began as a high school senior when she attended a convention and learned about the need for Christians in government. Having dedicated her life to be what she calls a “Christian missionary” in government, she chose to pursue a prelaw degree at PCC for a strong foundation in English, history, speech, and law.

Just three years after graduating from PCC, she was elected as a State Representative at the age of 24, becoming Washington state’s youngest legislator. She served five terms, eventually becoming House Minority Leader, and earned several recognitions and respect from fellow legislators.

In 2004, Cathy was elected to the U.S. Congress, where she is serving her fourth term. “I’m sincerely concerned about the amount of control and desired control the various forms of government have over our families, children, business, church, and communities,” Cathy said. “God has instituted government, yet we as individuals must still be responsible for ourselves and our actions. Our founding fathers regarded religion as being so important that when they passed the Bill of Rights, religious liberty was the very first right they safeguarded.”

Through her years in politics, Cathy has learned to rely on God to lift her above fear and pressure. She said, “When I look back, God has clearly been leading in my life: first, the call, then the foundation at PCC, then the experience and training…, then the responsibility. At PCC, God became real to me personally. Now, God has thrust me into a ministry over my head where I must cry out to Him. I take this position very seriously as I attempt to carry it out until completion because I believe God is calling me to do this.”

PCC’s prelaw and political science programs give graduates a solid foundation and excellent preparation for law school and graduate studies. Many are serving as lawyers, State and U.S. Representatives, executive assistants, government aides, professors, and in other government-related positions. Visit the Humanities Department page for more information.

Published: 1/6/2012