Kirsten Gillibrand - Political Positions

Political Positions

In the House, Gillibrand was known as a conservative liberal or centrist, serving at the will of a conservative electorate. Gillibrand was a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a caucus of conservative Democrats. In the Senate, she is known more as a populist-leaning liberal, as she represents a heavily Democratic state. At the time of her appointment to the Senate, a Salon editorial said that Gillibrand had developed a reputation in the House as "a hybrid politician who has remained conservative enough to keep her seat while appearing progressive enough to raise money downstate."

On social issues, Gillibrand is liberal, supporting the legalization of same-sex marriage, health care reform with a public option, a Medicare for all health care system, and taxpayer-funded abortion. Gillibrand is a strong advocate for government transparency, and releases substantially more personal and scheduling information than most members of Congress. Although a supporter of gun rights while in the House, Gillibrand has since become a supporter of gun control; while Gillibrand received a 92% rating from the National Rifle Association as a member of the House of Representatives in 2008, she received a 0% rating from the NRA as a senator in 2012.

Gillibrand received an 8% rating from the American Conservative Union, 70% from Americans for Democratic Action, and 90% from the American Civil Liberties Union. OnTheIssues.org rates Gillibrand as a "hard-core liberal." The National Journal declared Gillibrand to be the tenth most liberal member of the Senate in 2010, tying with Chuck Schumer. Gillibrand was tied for one of the two most liberal Senators, according to the National Journal for 2011 tying with Jeff Merkley.