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 United States House of Representatives
Fourth Congressional District, Colorado
When NEWSWEEK featured her as a “Rising Star” in the House of Representatives and NATIONAL JOURNAL recognized her as an outstanding Congressman in her freshman year, Marilyn Musgrave knew she was in the media spotlight from her first days on the Hill.
That didn’t seem to bother this mother of four and grandmother of five. She quickly became known and respected by both sides of the aisle for her boldness and tenacity. Now in her second term, she hasn’t stopped fighting for the principles she holds dear.
Her deep-rooted beliefs in doing the “right thing” go back to her childhood in rural Colorado. “I had a dear Christian grandmother with a keen sense of what was right and wrong. She was never harsh about it. It was just a natural part of our conversation,” says Musgrave.
Her journey from rural Colorado to Capitol Hill began with improving education in her state. “I quickly discovered that the actions of public policymakers profoundly affect people’s lives. So I started getting involved in the process,” she says.
After serving on her county school board for two years, she campaigned for the Colorado House of Representatives. Musgrave was elected and served four years as a state representative. Then, in 1998, she was elected to the Colorado senate, winning 63 percent of the vote.
Musgrave’s family joined her on the 2002 congressional campaign. “I’m very thankful that I have four young, adult children who love me and are very supportive,” she says. She particularly appreciates the support of Steve, her husband of 37 years. “He is very steady, very calm, and he is not threatened by having a wife in Congress.”
“I’m determined to always remember the people who helped me every step of the way. Most importantly, I daily ask the Lord for wisdom and balance in my life and to help me keep my priorities straight,” she notes.
Amid the hustle and bustle of congressional activity, Musgrave treasures her weekly Bible study to gain spiritual strength and encouragement from fellow Christians on the Hill. “I get a glimpse of what’s going on in other people’s lives, whether it’s an answer to prayer or when they simply speak from their heart. Those are precious jewels that I carry with me.” She adds, “Many constituents pray for me on a regular basis and that’s what I need more than anything.”
Psalm 20:7, reflects her view of government’s role. “Some people view government as the solution to all of their problems,” she said, “but I believe that, without the application of Biblical principles, there aren’t solutions to any of life’s problems.”
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