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Jamie Raskin

Jamie Raskin is an American lawyer, law professor, and Democratic politician who has represented Maryland's 8th congressional district in the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jamie Raskin is an American lawyer, law professor, and Democratic politician who has represented Maryland's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. He is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress and previously served in the Maryland State Senate. Raskin is also known for his role as lead manager in Donald Trump's second impeachment trial.

Early life and education

Raskin was born in Washington, D.C., on December 13, 1962. He studied at Harvard College and Harvard Law School, graduating magna cum laude, and served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Career before Congress

Before being elected to the U.S. House, Raskin taught constitutional law for many years and served in the Maryland State Senate from 2007 to 2016. He also rose to Senate Majority Whip in the Maryland legislature.

U.S. House of Representatives

Raskin has represented Maryland's 8th congressional district since January 2017. In the 119th Congress, he is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.

National profile

Raskin gained wider prominence as the lead impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in 2021. He also served on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Key facts

  • Represents Maryland's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary in the 119th Congress.
  • Previously served three terms in the Maryland State Senate and was elected Senate Majority Whip.
  • Was the lead impeachment manager in Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in 2021.
  • Is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
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Canadian context

Raskin is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through his work on U.S. constitutional law, democratic institutions, and transnational political issues affecting Canada-U.S. relations.

Frequently asked questions

What district does Jamie Raskin represent?
He represents Maryland's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
When was Jamie Raskin first elected to Congress?
He was elected to Congress in 2016 and began serving in January 2017.
What is Jamie Raskin's party affiliation?
He is a member of the Democratic Party.
What role did Jamie Raskin play in Donald Trump's second impeachment trial?
He served as the lead impeachment manager in the Senate trial held in 2021.
Did Jamie Raskin serve in state government before Congress?
Yes. He served three terms in the Maryland State Senate from 2007 to 2016.
What is Jamie Raskin's educational background?
He earned degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

References

  1. House of Representatives — https://raskin.house.gov/about
    Supports: Current office, congressional term, Judiciary Committee role, impeachment and January 6 committee service, education, books.
  2. U.S. Government Publishing Office — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2018-10-29/html/CDIR-2018-10-29-MD-H-8.htm
    Supports: Birth date, education, career history, Maryland State Senate service, congressional election details.
  3. Maryland State Archives — https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/06ushse/html/msa14610.html
    Supports: Birth date, U.S. House service since 2017, committee roles, family status.
  4. U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/member/jamie-raskin/R000606
    Supports: Party, district, service in Congress since 2017.