The Role of Young People in the Democratic Process

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As we wrap up our JSA Live, we will end with Congressman Crenshaw will focus on why young people should take part in various aspects of the democratic process.

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Congressman Dan Crenshaw is a proud 6th generation Texan. From an early age, Dan knew that he wanted to serve his country with the most elite fighting force in history: the U.S. Navy SEALs. In 2006, Dan graduated from Tufts University, where he earned his Naval officer commission through Navy ROTC. Following graduation, he immediately reported to SEAL training in Coronado, CA, where he met his future wife, Tara. After graduating SEAL training, Congressman Crenshaw deployed to Fallujah, Iraq to join SEAL Team Three, his first of five deployments overseas. In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan he was hit by an IED blast during a mission. He was evacuated and awoke from his medically induced coma learning that his right eye had been destroyed in the blast and his left eye was badly damaged. Congressman Crenshaw was completely blind and the doctors did not believe he would ever see again. Tara stood by him every day and night, keeping faith and praying he would see again. After several difficult surgeries and months of fighting a tough diagnosis, Congressman Crenshaw eventually regained sight in his left eye, a miracle according to the head surgeon. He refused to quit and went on to deploy twice more, first back to the Middle East in 2014 and then South Korea in 2016. Congressman Crenshaw was medically retired in September of 2016 as a Lieutenant Commander after serving ten years in the SEAL Teams. He left service with two Bronze Stars (one with Valor), the Purple Heart, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, among others. In November 2018, Congressman Crenshaw was elected to represent the people of Texas’s Second Congressional District. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has the broadest jurisdiction of any legislative committee in Congress. Dan serves on the Health Subcommittee and the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee. Dan also serves on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

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