Rep. Jamie Raskin, who has represented Maryland’s 8th district in the U.S. Congress since 2017, recently used his social media platform to comment on historical anniversaries and ongoing human rights issues.
On January 10, 2026, Raskin marked a significant milestone in American history by posting: “Hey everybody, it’s the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, whose luminous author Tom Paine, figured centrally in the American Revolution, the Enlightenment and the movement for Democracy still sweeping the Earth. The times hath found us.”
Two days later, on January 12, he addressed concerns about human rights abroad with a statement regarding Umar Khalid’s detention in India: “Umar Khalid, who has been detained WITHOUT TRIAL in India for more than five years, must be treated in accordance with human rights standards. I’m proud to join @RepMcGovern and my colleagues to urge the resolution of Mr. Khalid’s case.”
That same day, Raskin commented on political protests in Iran: “The people of Iran are bravely taking to the streets to protest their nation’s repressive theocratic dictatorship. The people of America and the world stand with them as security forces there—and everywhere—try to brutally silence dissent.”
Jamie Raskin has served as a member of Congress since replacing Chris Van Hollen in 2017. Prior to his congressional tenure, he was a member of both the Maryland House of Representatives and Maryland Senate from 2007 to 2016. Born in Washington D.C. in 1962 and currently residing in Takoma Park at age 60, Raskin is an alumnus of Harvard University and Harvard Law School.
