Meet Becca
Becca is the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to represent Vermont in Congress. As the daughter of working-class mother and immigrant father, Becca is deeply committed to defending American democracy and protecting vulnerable communities.
Now in Congress, Becca is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and a leader in the Progressive Caucus, where she is an outspoken defender of democracy, and civil rights. Becca believes that even in the face of immense challenges, we cannot back away from fighting for each other and building connections across differences. That is how we will save our democracy.
Becca is a mom, teacher, and progressive leader who has fought for people on the margins her entire life. Growing up gay, Becca knows what it is like to be on the outside, and has always looked to help those who do not feel like they belong, first as a middle school teacher, and then as a state senator and the first woman President Pro Tem of the Vermont Senate.
Becca's story is rooted in empathy and compassion
Born in Germany in a U.S. Army hospital, Becca is the daughter of an immigrant dad and a working-class mom, and her parents never took for granted the rights and privileges provided by the U.S. Constitution.
Her grandfather was killed in the Holocaust, and her father’s family saw firsthand the cruelties people can perpetrate when the law does not protect the most vulnerable, or when people turn away from each other and demonize one another.
Growing up, Becca knew she was gay, and knew that not everyone in her community accepted who she was. But Becca made the choice to embrace compassion and kindness, and to help others who were struggling on the margins.
Leading with Courage and Kindness
Becca first came to Vermont in 1994 when she took a job as a rock-climbing instructor; she settled here permanently in 1997. Three years later, she met her future wife, Elizabeth and made their home in Windham County.
Becca continued her career as an educator and became a middle school teacher, teaching in four rural public schools. Becca used her love of learning to educate hundreds of young people and adults. She brought those same qualities to her work with and for the people she represented in the Vermont Senate.
Vermont’s first woman Senate President
Becca served in the Vermont senate for 10 years. As leader of the Senate, Becca passed the strongest reproductive rights law in the nation, secured major wins for Labor, and passed the first gun safety legislation in Vermont history.
As Vermont’s first Congresswoman, Becca has continued her track record of fighting for people on the margins and working across differences. She is a member of the House Judiciary and Budget Committees, and a leader in the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Becca has focused on increasing access to affordable housing, mental health care for all, and protecting our democracy.
She received her BA from Smith College in Northampton, MA, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Becca earned her masters in education from Harvard University in 1995 and her MA in history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2001.
She is married to attorney and opera singer, Elizabeth Wohl. Together, they have two children – Abe, 16, and Sarah, 13 – and an adorable dog named Wheelie. They live in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.