“The bottom line is that our kids deserve a brighter future. They deserve an opportunity to attend college, regardless of their wealth or class. And our economy needs an educated work force that can compete in the global race for jobs.”

American politician and attorney, since 2007

Sheldon Whitehouse is an American politician and attorney, serving as the junior United States senator from Rhode Island since 2007. A Democrat, he has also served as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island and as the 71st attorney general of Rhode Island. Elected to the Senate in 2006, he defeated Republican incumbent Lincoln Chafee and was reelected in 2012, 2018, and 2024. His public career has centered on law and government service, first as a federal prosecutor and later in statewide office before moving to the Senate.