Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) isn’t the only 29-year-old who was part of Democrats’ historic “blue wave” in last month’s midterms.

Her future House colleague Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) — who recently unseated two-term Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA) in Cedar Rapids’ 1st congressional district — is only nine months older, but she’s just as relatable.

If you aren’t already feeling old, let’s just get it all out of the way now.

Finkenauer was born in December 1988 — five days before the calendar flipped to 1989 — graduated from college in 2011, and was first elected to the Iowa state House in 2014 at the age of 25.


Former Vice President Joe Biden couldn’t believe it, either.

With @VP Biden. He said I'm still just a kid, but he's proud of me. I'll take it 🙂 great to see him. pic.twitter.com/cWNWXr0YEF — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) September 17, 2014

Finkenauer will turn 30 in around two weeks, and be sworn in as a congresswoman seven days later. She will join Rep.-elect Cindy Axne (D-IA) — who unseated two-term Rep. David Young (R-IA) in Des Moines’ 3rd congressional district last month — as the first women to represent Iowa in the House.

Proud to make history and serve alongside @Abby4Iowa as the first two female Representatives from Iowa! pic.twitter.com/s54rtNfrRv — Cindy Axne (@Axne4Congress) November 14, 2018

Get ready to visit! We have offices! The first Congresswomen from Iowa will both be in the Cannon House office building! I’ll be in 124, @Axne4Congress will be in 330. Move in date: January 3rd 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pqrFy2BVp8 — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 30, 2018

Despite her meteoric rise, the Iowa Democrat doesn’t come from a politically-connected family. Her mother is a public school employee and her father is a welder, so Finkenauer is a “#prouduniondaughter.”

Not sure about all Dads, but I’m definitely MY Dad’s Democrat … fun story: Night of the election before I went to speak, Dad went to change. He didn’t come out in a suit, but a sweatshirt w/ largest @UAPipeTrades logo he could find. 🙌🏼 #prouduniondaughter https://t.co/FD6FdgVD9k — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) December 3, 2018

Busy couple of weeks on campaign, but best Friday night catch up with my fave union pipefitter welder & DBQ schools employee #ia01 #mom&dad pic.twitter.com/7nRuqZMwuU — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) October 28, 2017

Though her family “was mostly non-political,” the congresswoman-elect credits a Newsweek subscription at the age of 10 for developing her interest in politics, which led to debating her conservative uncle — a lawyer — during dinner.

“I learned at a very early age that even as a young girl I had every right to be at the table with grown men. It gave me the idea that my opinion mattered.”

Finkenauer struggles to find time for grocery shopping like many of us.

When you don’t have time to grocery shop while campaigning and the @dominos delivery drivers become some of your biggest supporters… 😊 #MadeMyDay #grateful #iowanice #ia01 pic.twitter.com/fZVIpLaP6A — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 21, 2018

She’s got jokes about co-workers.

She has also been required to endure awkward social situations by her former high school.

I was out knocking today around Hempstead High School, where I graduated. Great day! pic.twitter.com/KPZcQYqd8n — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) March 24, 2014

Finkenauer even delivered Thanksgiving meals to some of her soon-to-be constituents last month.

Honored to have spent Thanksgiving morning with my good friend Jim & family delivering meals and meeting folks across Cedar Rapids. This was around Jim’s 20th year and grateful to have been invited for the family tradition! Happy Thanksgiving!!!🦃🍁🍽 pic.twitter.com/hs7m8kv229 — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 22, 2018

But underestimate the Iowa Democrat as “Midwest nice” at your own risk.

let's never forget this support of a racist ignorant misogynist for POTUS. Vote @pattyforiowa. Clearly. — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) August 10, 2016

So @realDonaldTrump came back to Iowa, asked, “Who the hell is Abby Finkenauer?”, and then attacked me. I’ll tell you who I am: I’m an Iowan who loves her state and her country and who stands up to anyone who hurts us. #ia01 https://t.co/8uHPpx0H3Z — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) October 10, 2018

. @VP Do not come to my home & continue to insult my family & neighbors. This is a lie. Flat out. Our soybean farmers and pork producers are together projected to lose $1 BILLION this year alone due to administration’s trade war started on Twitter. Where’s Blum’s backbone? #IA01 https://t.co/YklddapaoH — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) July 11, 2018

Steve King is a national embarrassment and a disgrace. It’s past time that all Iowans, including members of his own party, take a stand against his bigotry and hate. We need to do everything we can to elect @Scholten4Iowa in 5 days. #IA04 #IA01 — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 1, 2018

After announcing her intention to challenge Blum last year, Finkenauer relentlessly hammered the Republican congressman over his support of President Donald Trump — whose agenda Blum backed 92 percent of the time.

"@RodBlum spent last 3 years in DC screwing over my friends and family while I've been here in Iowa fighting back." #ia01 #claytoncounty pic.twitter.com/WxJLBITUtq — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) October 29, 2017

Remember @RepRodBlum laughing after voting to let 23 mil Americans go w/o insurance? Let him know you do https://t.co/Lw6xrFJdFP #IA01 #AHCA pic.twitter.com/jigwFNsRCh — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) May 25, 2017

Go ahead, circle your wagon around Trump & his agenda Rod, we'll just be over here resisting extremism & standing up 4 all Americans. #IA01 pic.twitter.com/wrSQ5dbVoI — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) May 19, 2017

The Democrat also focused on Trump’s trade wars, Medicaid expansion, the GOP tax bill, student debt, and immigration during her successful congressional campaign.

My godson Jordy out with my sister & brother in law (corn & soybean farmers) last night checking crops on the gator. Yes. He is snuggling w/ a piece of corn🌽 💙. So many reasons this race is personal, this little guy is one reason Trump’s Twitter trade war is too… #Ia01 pic.twitter.com/fvdT8Aul5I — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) July 30, 2018

Each of the 5 leading causes of death in the US is higher in rural areas. Not expanding Medicaid, Medicaid privatization & lack of providers all to blame. Millions of lives are on the line. This is why we must #TakeItBack. #ia01 https://t.co/QJTntzcq5X — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) February 9, 2018

It’s mind blowing that you can’t refinance your student loans the way you can a mortgage. More people who are actually paying off student loans should be at the table making the decisions. #ia01 https://t.co/8urqPTFOnd — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 2, 2018

Democrats & Republicans need to stop playing politics with immigration. Abby will work to secure our borders, implement an earned pathway to citizenship, renew DACA & make E-Verify mandatory. #IA01Debate — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) October 16, 2018

Finkenauer has been a staunch supporter of reproductive rights, clean energy, gun control, pay equality, workers’ rights, and education reform in the Iowa state House.

"We asked for respect for women. We were met with contempt." Late last night Iowa passed an unconstitutional 6-week abortion ban, a GOP plot to challenge Roe v Wade. I fought back & need your support to take this voice to Congress. https://t.co/DP72ae3Sav pic.twitter.com/VNWeoQg3Ng — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) May 2, 2018

It’s 5:15 am. Democrats in the Iowa House just fought all night against the GOP bill that gutted energy efficiency programs in our state and went after solar. We need to win in November. Our state, country, environment and working families in our state depend on it. pic.twitter.com/7hUofO65t9 — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) April 27, 2018

Video of my first speech on the floor of the IA House: "Our children deserve better than 40th in the nation" https://t.co/8KB0s5NHNn — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) January 28, 2015

Finkenauer was recently elected vice chair of the Future Forum Caucus, a group of young Democrats “who are focused on issues and opportunities for millennial Americans.”

Happy to announce I was elected Vice-Chair of the Future Forum Caucus (young D members of Congress) along w/ @RepJimmyGomez & @DelgadoforNY19 ! Excited to join our Chairwoman @RepStephMurphy as we work to bring hope and opportunities for growth across generations. #ia01 pic.twitter.com/l63AnrLkVw — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) December 6, 2018

The congresswoman-elect credits her successful 2014 campaign for helping her grow as a person.

“You learn who you are and who you’re not really quickly. When you’re young you’re still figuring things out. The campaign put me on a fast-track on figuring out who I am as an Iowan, a woman, and now as a legislator.”

Finkenauer says her father’s union welding job put her on the path to public office, as she explained in this 2015 speech shortly before joining the Iowa state House.

The then-25-year-old former congressional page sent this tweet about Capitol Hill in 2014.

Less than five years later, the Iowa Democrat is set to take her own seat in Congress.