MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Kirsten Engel for Congress!

Early Life and Education

Kirsten Engel learned the importance of community service and environmental protection early on. She graduated with honors from Brown University and Northwestern University’s School of Law. Her early career included positions at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she observed the significant influence of bureaucratic red tape and corporate lobbyists.

Personal Life

Kirsten is married to Scott Saleska, a climate scientist at the University of Arizona. They enjoy Arizona’s hiking trails and jogging on the Rillito during weekends. Their daughter, Helene, recently started college. Kirsten’s commitment to her community and environment reflects in her professional and personal life, driving her congressional campaign to bring positive change to Arizona.

Professional Career

Kirsten specialized in environmental and administrative law, filing an amicus brief in the first U.S. Supreme Court case recognizing greenhouse gas emissions’ impact on climate change. She also fought for lead-paint hazard warnings and managed a brownfield renovation program. Kirsten has taught at Tulane, Harvard, and currently at the University of Arizona, where she co-directs the Environmental Law Program.

Kirsten Engel’s Legislative Career

Kirsten’s involvement in her daughter’s school made her aware of the Arizona Legislature’s underfunding of education, motivating her to run for the State House. As a legislator, she fought against education cuts, advocated for affordable community colleges, and promoted workforce development programs. She also protected water supplies, clean energy, and pursued criminal justice reforms. Kirsten opposed attacks on abortion and voting rights, standing up for democracy.

Kirsten Engel’s Bid for Congress

Kirsten is running for Congress to ensure access to affordable healthcare and protect the environment. She aims to support Arizona families and small businesses, fostering an economy with opportunities for everyone. In Washington, Kirsten will continue her advocacy for quality education, clean energy, and democratic rights.