Hailing from the Midwest and largely raised by a single mother who struggled with mental health challenges, Sara Ratcliffe saw from a young age what it means when government fails to meet the needs of its citizens. 

The experience of growing up in a community where families struggled to make ends meet, and where parents regularly chose between paying a doctor’s bill or putting food on the table, instilled in Sara a lifelong calling to look out for people whose voices are often not heard in government.This commitment to public service can be seen throughout her life and harkens back to her family’s roots in rural Nebraska and Illinois, and her upbringing in the outskirts of Chicago and central Ohio.

Sara is a lifelong caretaker and channels her energy into fighting for those in need.

From a very early age, Sara helped care for her mom as she found her way through mental illness and other chronic health conditions until her death at age 59. Later, when her dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, she became his primary caregiver and advocate as they navigated a broken and confusing health system not designed for those whose treatment needs didn’t fit the usual.

Finally, during the pandemic, at age 89, Sara’s mother-in-law came to live with her and her husband. Sara was able to help her find healthcare and options during scary and uncertain times.

Sara has 30 years of political experience that she will use to work for you. She knows how to advocate for her community and get things done.
Sara earned a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in Political Science with a concentration in U.S. domestic policy. Afterwards, she began her career as staff to U.S. Senator J. James Exon and as a research assistant to a noted political author and broadcaster, Elizabeth Drew. Sara continued working in renowned organizations on issues including women’s health and tobacco control policy where she developed expertise in advocating for those in marginalized communities. 

She also has worked on numerous local, state, and national campaigns beginning in 1988, before she herself was eligible to vote. A highlight of her campaign career was working in Virginia and Pennsylvania to elect President Barack Obama in 2008.

Throughout her 30 years of experience, Sara worked closely with state, local, and national legislators, to ensure that everyone is empowered to determine their own success.