Jamie Raskin Biography
Jamie Raskin is a prominent American politician, constitutional scholar, and civil rights advocate. He currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. He began serving in Congress in 2017 and won his fifth term in 2025.
Born December 13, 1962 in Washington, D.C., Raskin graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. There he served as Editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Before Congress, Raskin taught constitutional law at American University’s Washington College of Law for more than 25 years. He co‑founded the Marshall‑Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, bringing constitutional education into high schools.
Raskin launched his political career in the Maryland State Senate in 2007. There he championed progressive reforms on marriage equality, death‑penalty repeal, and voter rights.
In Congress, he served as lead impeachment manager for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. He also played a key role on the House Select Committee investigating January 6, 2021. In 2025, he became Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.
Raskin has written bestselling books, including Overruling Democracy and Unthinkable. He co‑chairs the Congressional Freethought Caucus and promotes voting rights and civil liberties.
In recent actions, he has pressed for government transparency on legal matters and challenged the Department of Justice over sensitive document redactions.
Raskin lives in Takoma Park, Maryland with his family. He balances public leadership with personal resilience, after overcoming a family tragedy and health challenges.
Jamie Raskin Age | How Old Is Jamie Raskin?
Jamie Raskin is 63 years old as of 2026. He was born on December 13, 1962, in Washington, D.C. Raskin grew up in a politically active family, which influenced his career path. He became a law professor and constitutional scholar before serving in the Maryland State Senate. Today, he represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House. At 63, Raskin continues to shape civil rights, voting rights, and constitutional law debates.
Jamie Raskin Height | How Tall is Jamie Raskin?
Jamie Raskin stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. He has an average build, which complements his presence as a U.S. Congressman and constitutional scholar. His height aligns with many American men of his generation. Throughout his career as a law professor and legislator, Raskin’s stature has contributed to his professional image.
Jamie Raskin Education | Harvard & Legal Training of U.S. Representative
Jamie Raskin graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1983 with a B.A. in government and political theory. He then earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1987, where he served as an Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Before Congress, Raskin taught constitutional law, the First Amendment, and legislative process at American University’s Washington College of Law for more than 25 years. His academic background shaped his career as a constitutional scholar, law professor, and influential U.S. Representative.
Jamie Raskin Political Party: Democratic Leader in U.S. Congress
Jamie Raskin is a proud member of the Democratic Party. He represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House as a Democratic lawmaker. Moreover, Raskin identifies as a progressive Democrat, advancing civil rights, voting rights, and constitutional protections in Congress. He first served in the Maryland State Senate as a Democratic legislator before his election to the U.S. House. In current leadership, Raskin works with fellow Democrats on key committees and caucuses to shape national policy. His Democratic Party affiliation guides his legislative priorities and public service.
Jamie Raskin Wife | Spouse – Who Is Sarah Bloom Raskin?
Jamie Raskin is married to Sarah Bloom Raskin. They wed in 1990 and live in Takoma Park, Maryland. Sarah Bloom Raskin is a respected American attorney and financial regulator. She served as Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation and later as U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury under President Obama. Moreover, she served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The couple has two adult daughters, Hannah and Tabitha, and had a son, Thomas, who died at age 25. Together, they have supported public service and civic engagement throughout their careers. Their partnership blends law, policy, and financial expertise, making them influential in U.S. public affairs.
Jamie Raskin Children | Kids
Jamie Raskin and his wife Sarah have three children: two daughters and a son. Their daughters are Hannah and Tabitha, both adults who support civic engagement. Meanwhile, their son Thomas (Tommy) Bloom Raskin tragically died at age 25 on December 31, 2020 after a long depression struggle. Together, the Raskin siblings shaped a close family rooted in education, law, and public service. Moreover, Raskin honored Tommy’s legacy in his book Unthinkable, reflecting on personal loss and democracy. This family detail enriches the biographical profile of Jamie Raskin.
Jamie Raskin Family | Parents & Siblings
Jamie Raskin was born to Barbara Bellman Raskin and Marcus Raskin in Washington, D.C. His mother was a journalist and novelist, while his father was a progressive activist and co‑founder of the Institute for Policy Studies. He grew up in a Jewish household with strong civic values and has two siblings, his sister Erika Raskin Littlewood and brother Noah Raskin. This family background shaped Raskin’s passion for law, public service, and democracy.
Jamie Raskin Health Update | Cancer, Recovery & Current Status
Jamie Raskin publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis of diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma in December 2022. He described it as a serious but curable form of cancer and began outpatient chemotherapy soon after. Subsequently, Raskin completed chemotherapy and announced his cancer is in remission with a strong chance of no relapse. Moreover, he continued his congressional work while undergoing treatment. Previously, he also battled colorectal cancer during his Maryland Senate tenure. Despite health challenges, Raskin remains active in national policy debates and committee work. His resilience amid illness reflects his enduring dedication to public service and constitutional leadership.
Jamie Raskin Bandana | Meaning Behind His Signature Headwear
Jamie Raskin wears a bandana publicly because of hair loss from chemotherapy for lymphoma. He began wearing it while undergoing treatment for diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma in late 2022. This head covering helps him manage treatment side effects with comfort and dignity.
Moreover, Raskin credits musician Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band for inspiring his look. Van Zandt, known for signature scarves, sent Raskin bandanas from his personal collection to support him.
Raskin said the bandana serves as both a practical head covering and a symbol of resilience during his cancer journey. This choice sparked public conversations about health, strength, and personal expression for public figures facing illness.
Jamie Raskin & Pam Bondi: Heated Exchanges & Policy Clashes
Jamie Raskin and Attorney General Pam Bondi have engaged in sharp clashes over DOJ transparency and the Jeffrey Epstein files. In February 2026, Raskin questioned Bondi at a House Judiciary Committee hearing about alleged failures to release critical Epstein documents. He accused her of improper redactions and suggested the Justice Department might be covering up key information.
During the hearing, Bondi reacted emotionally and used personal attacks, at one point calling Raskin a “washed‑up loser lawyer.” Raskin also pushed for accountability on broader DOJ actions, demanding answers about politically charged prosecutions and leadership decisions under Bondi’s direction.
Furthermore, Raskin tied his support for congressional contempt measures to actions involving Bondi, signaling wider oversight tensions. Their exchanges reflect deep partisan conflict over justice policy, transparency, and congressional authority. Overall, Raskin’s interactions with Bondi highlight ongoing disputes between legislative oversight and executive branch legal priorities.
Jamie Raskin & Epstein Files: Oversight, Controversy & Transparency
Jamie Raskin has pushed for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein files as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. He secured access to previously unreleased, unredacted Epstein documents, revealing numerous questionable redactions and omissions. Then, Raskin called out the Department of Justice (DOJ) for what he described as a “cover‑up” of key information in the Epstein case.
Moreover, Raskin highlighted that the released files redacted potential abusers’ names while exposing victims’ identities. He also flagged unredacted evidence that contradicted public claims about Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Raskin pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi over the DOJ’s handling and incomplete release of Epstein‑related documents. He emphasized the need to protect survivors and hold the justice system accountable.
Raskin also urged Congress to obtain all remaining documents and push for deeper investigation into Epstein’s network. His actions have made Epstein file transparency a major issue in national oversight debates.
Jamie Raskin Salary
Jamie Raskin earns an annual salary of about $174,000 as a U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 8th District. This salary matches the standard pay for most members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. Furthermore, his congressional salary provides a stable income while he performs legislative duties in Washington, D.C. In addition to salary, Raskin’s overall earnings include past academic income, book royalties, and investments. His compensation reflects typical federal pay for senior lawmakers working on key committees and national policy issues.
Jamie Raskin Net Worth 2026
Jamie Raskin’s net worth is estimated at about $6.7 million in early 2026. This figure reflects investments, book royalties, past academic income, and his congressional salary. Furthermore, Raskin holds roughly $2.2 million in publicly traded assets, per financial tracking estimates. Although net worth estimates vary over time, most report him as a multimillion‑aire member of Congress. His wealth also includes past earnings from teaching law and writing bestselling books. Overall, Raskin’s estimated net worth reflects his long career in law, politics, and public service.