Jamie Raskin: Resilience, Reform, and the Bandana That Became a Symbol

Introduction

When American democracy found itself on the edge of chaos during and after the January 6 Capitol attack, one congressman emerged as both a constitutional scholar and a deeply human voice in the storm—Jamie Raskin. His story is not just political; it’s also personal, poignant, and inspiring. From his work in the courtroom to his battles with illness and personal tragedy, Raskin’s life encapsulates the grit and gravitas needed in modern leadership.

Who Is Jamie Raskin?

Jamin Ben “Jamie” Raskin is a Democratic congressman representing Maryland’s 8th Congressional District since 2017. Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Raskin served in the Maryland State Senate for nearly a decade (2007–2016), becoming known for his progressive policies, sharp legal mind, and unwavering defense of democratic values.

Born December 13, 1962, in Washington, D.C., Raskin is now 62 years old as of 2025. He grew up in a politically engaged family—his father, Marcus Raskin, was a prominent progressive thinker and co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies.

Raskin is a constitutional law professor by training. He earned his B.A. from Harvard College (magna cum laude) in 1983 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1987, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. For over 25 years, he taught constitutional law at American University’s Washington College of Law, preparing future generations to understand and defend the U.S. Constitution.

Jamie Raskin’s Career and Congressional Impact

In Congress, Raskin has become a voice of reason, intelligence, and compassion. He quickly rose to prominence through his powerful speeches and leadership on legal and ethical issues, often cited as one of the most thoughtful legislators in Washington.

Legislative Work

As a legislator, Raskin has championed:

Marriage equality laws

The abolition of the death penalty in Maryland

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

Public transparency and ethics in government

He currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee (as of 2025), having previously held the same position on the House Oversight Committee. Notably, Raskin was also the lead impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, bringing emotional gravity and intellectual rigor to the proceedings following the January 6 insurrection.

He was later appointed to the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, where he helped expose the mechanisms behind the attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Jamie Raskin’s Health Journey

In 2010, Raskin was diagnosed with colon cancer, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation over the course of 11 months. He successfully recovered, only to face another health challenge over a decade later.

In December 2022, he announced he had been diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a serious form of cancer. Throughout his chemo-immunotherapy treatment, Raskin remained active in Congress, often seen wearing colorful bandanas—a look that quickly became both a symbol of his struggle and a testament to his resilience.

By April 2023, Raskin shared the uplifting news that he had completed treatment and was in complete remission. He publicly thanked his doctors, colleagues, and constituents for their support, once again reinforcing his strength and courage in the face of adversity.

The Bandana: More Than a Fashion Statement

Raskin’s use of bandanas during treatment caught the public eye. Many speculated about the meaning behind them, but Raskin clarified that he began wearing them because they helped him cope with hair loss and provided personal comfort.

A unique moment came when musician Steven Van Zandt—famous for wearing bandanas himself—sent Raskin a personalized scarf and a message of support. Raskin said the gift gave him renewed energy and positivity, and he wore it often during public appearances.

Contrary to internet rumors, no member of Congress ever asked him to remove the bandana. The false claim was widely circulated but later debunked by multiple fact-checkers, including the AP.

The Tragic Loss of His Son Tommy Raskin

Jamie Raskin’s commitment to public service is all the more remarkable given the profound personal grief he has endured. On December 31, 2020, Raskin’s 25-year-old son, Thomas “Tommy” Raskin, died by suicide after a long battle with depression.

Tommy was a Harvard Law student, a poet, a thinker, and an activist in his own right. In his final note, Tommy wrote that he loved his family but felt he couldn’t go on fighting his internal pain.

Just days after his son’s funeral, Jamie Raskin returned to Congress on January 6, 2021, to help certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. He was inside the Capitol when the insurrection began and later wrote about fearing for the lives of his daughter and son-in-law, who had accompanied him that day.

In his 2022 memoir, Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy, Raskin shares both the personal and political upheaval of that period—losing a child, surviving an attack on democracy, and standing up against authoritarianism. The book is an emotional chronicle of grief and purpose.

Jamie Raskin and Sarah Bloom Raskin: A Power Couple in Public Service

Jamie Raskin’s wife, Sarah Bloom Raskin, is a force in her own right. A former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury (under the Obama administration) and a Federal Reserve Governor, she has long worked at the intersection of economics and public policy.

Sarah has also served as a law professor at Duke University, bringing academic depth to her public service. Together, the Raskins are one of the most accomplished couples in Washington, having navigated their careers while raising three children.

Their shared commitment to justice, reform, and education continues to inspire progressives and moderates alike.

Jamie Raskin’s Website, Media Appearances, and Public Engagement

Raskin actively communicates with constituents and the public through his official House website (raskin.house.gov) and his personal advocacy site (jamieraskin.com). On these platforms, he shares updates on legislation, statements, op-eds, and appearances.

He has been featured in major media outlets like The Washington Post, Vogue, NPR, and The Guardian, discussing topics ranging from constitutional law to mental health and cancer recovery.

Raskin also frequently appears on political podcasts and academic panels, speaking about the future of democracy, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility.

Jamie Raskin’s Salary and Net Worth

As a sitting U.S. Representative, Jamie Raskin earns the standard Congressional salary of approximately $174,000 per year. While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed in full detail, congressional financial disclosures suggest his assets and liabilities place him within the upper-middle income bracket, particularly when compared to wealthier members of Congress.

However, unlike many politicians, Raskin has never been associated with corporate lobbying or high-profile financial ventures. Much of his career has been spent in academia and public service.

Legacy and Continued Mission

As of 2025, Jamie Raskin continues to push back against threats to democracy, voter suppression, and the erosion of civil liberties. He is a leading critic of what he calls the “cult of authoritarian personality” surrounding Donald Trump and the modern GOP.

He recently sponsored a joint resolution to counter Trump’s attempt to federalize D.C.’s police, citing it as a violation of democratic principles and local autonomy.

Whether serving on the Judiciary Committee, penning thoughtful essays, or addressing the nation during crises, Jamie Raskin remains a vital figure in American politics—not only for his policy stances but for his integrity, empathy, and commitment to the Constitution.

Final Thoughts

Jamie Raskin’s life story defies the typical political narrative. It’s a journey of resilience—marked by both personal tragedy and professional triumph. Whether you remember him for his moving speeches, his courageous stance during impeachment, his battles with cancer, or the bandana that became a symbol of hope, one thing is clear: Jamie Raskin represents the kind of leadership America needs in challenging times.

At Jangoexpress.org, we believe in highlighting leaders who combine moral clarity with constitutional insight. Jamie Raskin’s journey offers lessons in courage, service, and humanity—qualities that transcend politics and touch the very heart of civic life.