About Michael
Michael’s career has been defined by tackling complex challenges. He served as a U.S. State Department economics officer in Iraq and worked on civilian counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan. Earlier in his career, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service and spent a year as a Jesuit volunteer in Mozambique.
Back home, Michael served eight years in the Washington State Senate, helping lead the Republican majority while cutting tuition, lowering taxes, and supporting the creation of the WSU Medical School in Spokane. He later served six years as Spokane County Treasurer, where he responsibly managed nearly $2 billion in public investments.
In 2024, Michael won a highly competitive primary and general election, earning 61% of the vote to represent Eastern Washington in Congress. Sworn in on January 3, 2025, he now serves on the Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Education and Workforce Committees.
In Congress, Michael is focused on strengthening national security, securing the border, reducing the cost of living, and promoting economic growth across Eastern Washington.
Michael has traveled to more than 80 countries and brings a global perspective to his work. He and his wife, Eleanor, whom he met while serving in Afghanistan, live in Spokane and are raising their five children.
Born in Pullman and raised in Colton, Michael Baumgartner is deeply rooted in Eastern Washington. The son of a public-school teacher and a Washington State University forestry professor, he grew up with a strong respect for hard work, education, and the land.
A proud WSU Cougar, Michael earned his degree in economics from Washington State University as a Foley Scholar before completing a Master of Public Administration at Harvard, where he also served as a teaching fellow.