Ross, Deborah, 1963-
<p>Deborah Ross (née Koff; born June 20, 1963) is an American lawyer and politician who is the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district, based in Raleigh. Ross previously served as a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives representing the state's 38th and then 34th House district, including much of northern Raleigh and surrounding suburbs in Wake County.</p>
<p>Ross was the Democratic nominee in the 2016 U.S. Senate election in North Carolina, unsuccessfully challenging incumbent Richard Burr in the general election.</p>
<p>Ross was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1963, and grew up in Connecticut. She is the daughter of Barbara (née Klein) and Marvin Koff. Her father served as a physician in the Air Force during the Vietnam era and her mother taught preschool.</p>
Citations
<p>Congresswoman Deborah Ross is a civil rights advocate, a clean energy champion, a lawyer, and a proud citizen of Wake County. Sworn into the House of Representatives on January 3, 2021, she represents North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District.</p>
<p>Deborah grew up in a small town, and her parents instilled in her the belief that with opportunity comes responsibility and that through public service she could help others and make a difference.</p>
<p>Deborah came to North Carolina for law school at UNC-Chapel Hill and became an active member of the local community. She entered public service in 2002, when she ran for and won a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she served for over ten years. As a Representative, Deborah worked to protect voting rights, fund transit and transportation projects, increase access to affordable housing and protect and expand healthcare. Deborah was named as one of Wake County's most effective legislators for her ability to work across the aisle to deliver results for the people of North Carolina.</p>
Citations
ROSS, Deborah K., a Representative from North Carolina; born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pa., June 20, 1963; A.B., Brown University, Providence, R.I., 1985; J.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., 1990; lawyer, private practice; state director, American Civil Liberties Union, 1994-2002; member of the North Carolina state house of representatives, 2003-2013; unsuccessful candidate for election to the United States Senate in 2016; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress (January 3, 2021-present).