Elected Officials Take the 7-Day VegPledge!

Cory Booker, US Senator (D-New Jersey)

“I’m a vegetarian everyday and [US VegWeek] is my birthday week. You can bet your broccoli I’m in!”

From leading legal clinics in New Haven, Connecticut as a law student to taking on one of the most powerful and entrenched political machines in New Jersey, Booker has built a record of bringing people together around tough challenges and delivering results that improved people’s lives. Read More

Henry Waxman, US Representative (D-California, District 33)

“I am delighted to take the 7-Day VegPledge. Research shows that a plant-based diet can offer significant health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and lower incidence of heart disease. And a plant-based diet is also good for the environment by reducing carbon emissions in our efforts to fight climate change.”

Congressman Waxman represents California’s 33rd Congressional District and is currently the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. A longtime champion of environmental and public health protection, Waxman introduced the first bill in Congress to stabilize the climate in 1992. Read More

Barbara Lee, US Representative (D-California, District 13)

“I’m excited to participate again this year in US VegWeek. This is an important issue not just for our bodies, but for our communities. US VegWeek is a great way to kick off a meat-free diet, but it’s easy to make it more than a week, and I’m proof of that.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee proudly represents California’s 13th Congressional District. She serves on the Appropriations and Budget Committees, is a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, Chair of the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, and a Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Read More

Mark Takano, US Representative (D-California, District 41)

For more than 20 years, Congressman Takano has worked to improve the lives of Riverside County residents, both as an elected official and as a teacher at Rialto High School. In 1990, Takano was elected to the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees; he was elected President in 1991. Read More

Lucille Roybal-Allard, US Representative (D-California, District 40)

The first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard is a political pioneer. Most notably, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is an original co-author of the DREAM Act to ensure undocumented students can get on a path to citizenship, attend college in the United States and qualify for in-state tuition. Read More

Eddie Bernice Johnson, US Representative (D-Texas, District 30)

“Vegetables and fruit are essential for a healthy diet. I am excited to take part in US VegWeek to help encourage others to pursue a healthier lifestyle. US VegWeek reminds those of us who are not vegetarians to be more aware of our physical health, as well as the health of our planet.”

Congresswoman Johnson is serving her 11th term representing the 30th District within Dallas County and encompassing a large portion of the City of Dallas. In December 2010, Congresswoman Johnson was elected as the first African-American and the first female Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Read More

Raúl M. Grijalva, US Congressman (Arizona)

“No matter what you believe in, respect for animals is an important part of being human. More humane treatment of domestic and wild animals has been a focus of my public policy career, and I’m proud to participate in US VegWeek to raise awareness and help spread the word.”

Congressman Grijalva represents the citizens in Congressional District 3. He is a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, where he has been appointed Ranking Member of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, which oversees 600 million acres of federal land. As Chairman of the Subcommittee in the 111th Congress, he played the leading role in creating a permanent National Landscape Conservation System within the Department of the Interior and fought successfully to address the maintenance funding shortfall of American public lands. He has shown his commitment to a clean environment through his service as Co-Chair of the CPC, Co-Chair of the National Landscape Conservation System Caucus, and his membership in the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. He is a supporter of the Green Scissors plan to cut $200 billion in government subsidies to industries such as coal, oil, gas and timber.

David Cicilline, US Representative (D-Rhode Island, District 1)

In 1994, Congressman Cicilline was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where he was a champion of political reform and gun safety. He was elected mayor of the City of Providence in 2002, and re-elected in 2006. In Congress, he fights for common-sense policies supporting small businesses, manufacturers, families, and seniors. Read More

Tammy Duckworth, US Representative (D-Illinois, District 8)

Congresswoman Duckworth is an Iraq War Veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In 2004, Duckworth was deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. Duckworth later became Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, and in 2009, President Obama appointed Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Read More

Ted Deutch, US Representative (D-Florida, District 21)

Congressman Deutch is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives on behalf of Florida’s 21st district. An Assistant Whip to Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, he has been highlighted by the Washington newspaper Roll Call as a young, rising voice in the House Democratic Caucus, and was previously named one of America’s top Jewish politicians to watch by the Forward newspaper. Read More

Jared Polis, US Representative (D-Colorado, District 2)

Jared Polis is an independent leader who uses his private and public sector experience to find pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing Colorado and the nation. First elected to represent Colorado’s Second Congressional District in 2008, Polis serves on the powerful Committee on Rules, the Committee on the Education and the Workforce, and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Read More

Lacy Clay, US Representative (D-Missouri, District 1)

Congressman Clay was first elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 2000, succeeding his father, the Honorable Bill Clay, who served for 32 years and was a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Mr. Clay served for 17 years in both chambers of the Missouri Legislature. Read More

Robert Brady, US Representative (D-Pennsylvania, District 1)

Congressman Robert Brady is serving his 9th term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District. Congressman Brady currently serves as the Ranking Member on the Committee, and has been a leading advocate for election reform. In addition, Brady has twice been honored as a “Friend of the National Parks” by the National Parks Conservation Association. Read More

Grace Meng, US Representative (D-New York, District 6)

Rep. Grace Meng is the first Asian-American Member of Congress from New York, and the only Representative of Asian descent on the entire east coast. She is dedicated to fighting for the hardworking families of Queens by protecting Medicare and Social Security, spurring economic growth, creating jobs, ensuring access to a quality education, and increasing funding for transportation and infrastructure projects. Read More

Tulsi Gabbard, US Representative (D-Hawaii, District 2)

“As a life-long vegetarian, I am proud to support US VegWeek and encourage others to take on the 7-Day VegPledge. My vegetarian diet, yoga, and regular exercise routine give me strength, peace, and good health – all needed to energetically tackle the hectic pace of each day. Centering your diet around plant-based foods also has a positive impact on our environment and improving public health.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was born in Leloaloa, American Samoa in 1981. At the age of two, Tulsi and her family settled in Hawai’i where as a teenager, she co-founded the Healthy Hawai’i Coalition, a non-profit teaching children to take care of themselves and the environment. Read More

Ted Lieu, State Senator (D-California, District 28)

“Healthier living is an idea that sells itself and leads to longer lives and an improved quality of life. As a state policymaker, and father of two, I enthusiastically encourage everyone to participate in US VegWeek by treating themselves to more fresh fruits and vegetables that can lead to a longer, healthier life – and lifestyle.”

Senator Ted Lieu, who dutifully aims to represent “those without a voice,” took the 7-Day Veg Pledge in 2010 when Compassion Over Killing launched VegWeek in Los Angeles, and has pledged every year since then. Read More

Pedro Nava, Former Assemblymember (D-California, District 35)

“It’s an honor to again have the opportunity to be a part of such an important event. Eating vegetarian for a week is a great way for those of us who aren’t full-time vegetarian to make a difference, improve our diet and help the planet. After participating the last time, my wife and I eat many more vegetarian meals and we have come to enjoy the experience.”

While serving the 35th Assembly District from 2004-2010, Nava demonstrated a commitment to public safety, consumer protection, and the environment, and was a leader on animal cruelty legislation. Read More

Jamie Raskin, State Senator (D-Maryland, District 20)

“US VegWeek rocks! Thanks to Compassion Over Killing for raising the consciousness of the whole community with such creative events and organizing. See you there!”

Senator Jamie Raskin represents District 20 in the Maryland State Senate, which includes Silver Spring and Takoma Park. He helped inspire the VegWeek campaign in 2009, and has pledged every year since to encourage others to take one week to explore vegetarian eating as a way to protect their health, the environment, and animals. Read More

Tom Hucker, State Delegate (D-Maryland, District 20)

Delegate Tom Hucker represents District 20 and serves on the House Economic Matters Committee as well as the Consumer Protection & Commercial Law Subcommittee. This is his fifth year participating in VegWeek. Read More

Dan Morhaim, State Delegate (D-Maryland, District 11)

“As the only physician in the Maryland General Assembly, I know the importance of eating a vegetarian diet in decreasing one’s risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and a variety of cancers. I am excited to participate in US VegWeek 2014 and explore the wide variety of meat-free, local foods available to Marylanders. I encourage my constituents to join me in this effort to eat sustainably. Let’s Veg-out!”

Delegate Morhaim was first elected to the Maryland General Assembly in 1994 and re-elected in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010 to represent the 11th District of northwest Baltimore County in the House of Delegates. Read More

Patrick Hope, State Delegate (D-Virginia, District 47)

“In an effort to call attention to the health benefits, I pledge to go vegetarian for a week. Just limiting your intake of meat will lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart attack and many cancers. I look forward to this challenge and the healthy benefits that will result.”

Delegate Hope represents Virginia’s 47th District, which includes much of Arlington County. He sits on the Virginia House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee and has received several awards for his service to the community. Read More

Shane Robinson, State Delegate (D-Maryland, District 39)

“The last time I took the pledge I pledged vegan and haven’t looked back since. It’s been amazing. Not only do I feel healthier and have more energy, but it also feels good to lead a lifestyle that is compassionate to animals while decreasing my carbon footprint significantly. Everyone should go vegan!”

Aruna Miller, State Delegate (D-Maryland, District 15)

Del. Miller represents Maryland’s largest district including much of Montgomery County, and chairs Serving Our Communities, an initiative to strengthen communities with volunteers to promote values such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. Read More

Todd Gloria, San Diego City Councilmember (D-California, District 3)

Todd Gloria was elected to his second term as Councilmember representing District Three in June 2012. He served as Council President in 2013 and was re-elected Council President for 2014. Read More

Lorie Zapf, San Diego City Councilmember (R-California, District 6)

Lorie Zapf, a longtime community leader, was elected to City Council in 2010 to improve the quality of life in San Diego and bring common-sense solutions to City Hall. Read More 

Marti Emerald, San Diego City Councilmember (D-California, District 9)

Councilmember Emerald excelled as a broadcast journalist for 30 years before taking the oath of office for the San Diego City Council in 2008. Read More 

Nick Mosby, Baltimore City Councilmember (D-Maryland, District 7)

“I am excited about participating in the 7-Day Veg Pledge. It is critically important that we encourage each other to do what is necessary to become more active and to change the types of food we eat in order to become more healthy.”

Four months into his term, Councilman Mosby introduced a Liquor Ordinance to prohibit youth from making chips and soda purchases from corner liquor stores. Read More

Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive (D-Maryland)

“I am happy to participate in US VegWeek 2014. I have been mostly vegetarian for close to 25 years. It is a very healthy way to go.”

From hardscrabble roots in then-segregated Louisiana, Ike Leggett has built a record of public service marked by conviction to principle, leadership, and a willingness to take on tough fights and make hard choices. Read More

Cherri Branson, Montgomery County Councilmember (D-Maryland, District 5)

Cherri Branson began working on Capitol Hill in 1989. She has held various policy, legal, and legislative positions, including Legislative Counsel, Legislative Director, and Committee Counsel, serving Members of Congress from New York, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Hawaii, California, and Mississippi. Read More

Bruce Williams, Mayor of Takoma Park (Maryland)

Every year since 2012, Mayor Williams signed a Proclamation officially recognizing US VegWeek. To further show the city’s support for this effort, he, along with several other members of the council, took the 7-Day VegPledge, a commitment he is happy to make again this year. Read More

Seth Grimes, Takoma Park Councilmember (Maryland, Takoma Park Ward 1)

Seth Grimes is a long-time community activist who represents Takoma Park’s Ward 1, home of Compassion Over Killing, on the city council. Read More

Terry Seamens, Takoma Park Councilmember (Maryland, Takoma Park Ward 4)

“I’m happy to again take the VegWeek pledge to highlight the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, and help draw attention to the food needs of our more vulnerable neighbors.”

Terry Seamens represents the residents of Takoma Park’s Ward 4. He has an extensive professional background in information technology, and is a passionate advocate for working families, seniors, and disabled community members. Read More

Tim Male, Takoma Park Councilmember (Maryland, Takoma Park Ward 2)

Councilmember Male was formerly a registered public interest lobbyist and a senior ecologist for Environmental Defense Fund. Read More

Jarrett Smith, Takoma Park Councilmember (Maryland)

Councilmember Smith has served on city committees including the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs and Washington Adventist Hospital Land-Use Committee. Read More

Eric Olson, Prince George’s County Councilmember (D-Maryland, District 3)

“I’m taking the VegPledge because I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 20 years. Whether one is drawn to a vegetarian diet for health, environmental, animal welfare, religious, or other reasons, one thing is sure – there are incredible vegetarian meals of many cultures to explore!”

Councilmember Olson represents Maryland’s third District and focuses on supporting the public education system, increasing opportunities for young people, addressing the root causes of crime, and strengthening our environment. Read More

Kate Stewart, Takoma Park Councilmember (Maryland, Ward 3)

Kate Stewart has been active in the Takoma Park schools and community for almost two decades, volunteering in classrooms, coaching soccer, and organizing community events. She will become a Takoma Park Councilmember on April 21st. Read More

Ingrid H. Morroy, Arlington Commissioner of Revenue (Virginia)

“I became a vegetarian in 1980. Firstly, I believe that it is immoral to kill another being for no other reason than to feed ourselves. Secondly, there is no proof that I must sustain myself with protein or other nutrients that have traveled through the digestive system of an animal. In addition, by not eating meat nor fish I am able to keep chemicals such as growth hormone and mercury out of my system. And thirdly, it is important to me that I make my carbon footprint as small as possible. By avoiding meat and fish I do my small part in avoiding environmental pollution. During US VegWeek, I pledge to follow a vegan lifestyle.”

Ingrid Morroy was elected Arlington Commissioner of Revenue in November 2003, and took office on January 1, 2004. Before her election, Ingrid served as Arlington Deputy Treasurer for eight years. Read More

Paul Ferguson, Arlington and Falls Church Clerk of the Circuit Court (Virginia)

“I thank everyone who is willing to give this a try for a week. It’s healthier, better for the environment, and kind to animals.”

Mr. Ferguson served as a Member of the Arlington County Board from 1996-2007, serving as Chairman in 1999, 2003, and 2007. He serves on the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change, and is the Board Chairman for EarthCraft Virginia, a non-profit organization providing consulting and certification services for energy efficient homes. Read More

Sarai Rivera, Worcester City Councilor (Massachusetts, District 4)

“I am excited to take the 7-Day VegPledge to learn more about the health benefits a plant-based diet not only for our bodies but also for the environment. I’m taking the pledge; how about you?”

Bruce Shuttleworth, Candidate for Congress (D-Virginia, District 8)

A graduate of Annapolis, exchange Midshipman to West Point, as well as a graduate of Harvard Business School, Bruce Shuttleworth is a progressive activist. Read More

Will Smith, Candidate for State Delegate (D-Maryland, District 20)

Will Smith is a Silver Spring native who enrolled in Americorps after graduating from college, as a community leader for IMPACT Silver Spring. Read More

Tim Goodrich, Candidate for Torrance City Council (D-California)

“Reducing meat consumption isn’t just healthy for you, it’s healthy for the planet.”

Tim Goodrich served in the active duty military, including three deployments to the Middle East. After participating in the war effort, he decided not to take life for granted and become an active contributor to his community. Read More

Sarah Boot, Candidate for City of San Diego Council (D-California, District 2)

Sarah Boot has been a federal prosecutor, community advocate, and public servant. She has led investigations to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking organizations and has prosecuted drug dealers, bank robbers, and criminals who sell young children for sex on the streets of San Diego. Read More

Carol Kim, Candidate for City of San Diego Council (D-California, District 6)

Carol Kim is new to politics but has been serving her community for many years. Beginning her career as a schoolteacher in an inner city school in Los Angeles, Kim then became the coordinator of a Fine Arts program and the lead teacher of an after-school program for at-risk boys. Read More