VOTE NOVEMBER 3rd, 2026

Q. Tell us a little bit about where you’ve traveled and what exploring the world means to you. 

Growing up, I didn’t travel too much. I spent summers and holidays at my grandparents’ house in Michigan, and my family would often accompany my father on his work trips to Cape Canaveral. However, I grew up with a deep wanderlust and always looked forward to traveling the world as an adult. This was partly inspired by my parents, whose prized possession was a photo album with pictures of them at every state sign—I think they were only missing two or three!

When Rob and I were dating, we mostly traveled around the South. We loved the hospitality, hiking areas, beds and breakfasts, and different communities of this region. We adore traveling in the United States, and although we haven’t yet visited as many states as my parents, we’re getting pretty close! In fact, just a couple weeks ago Rob and I visited Wisconsin for the first time and absolutely loved it. One of our favorite activities during our domestic travels is eating in various American cities and trying out all of their specific famed or cultural foods. We also love to go on “foodie tours,” which consists of guided food-related travel all across a city, getting a chance to explore and eat at their top culinary sites. San Francisco and New Orleans were by far the best foodie tours we’ve ever been on, and exceeded my already high expectations!

For our honeymoon, we went on my first international trip to Italy, and it was truly fabulous. We visited Venice, Rome, and Florence, and also stayed in Santa Margarita right on the Italian Riviera. The view there was absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to get back there one day. I have also been fortunate enough to visit France, Spain (we even saw a bullfight!), Portugal, several Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Canada. Rob and my son Jordan have actually gone far more places than I have—Jordan has already visited five continents and is anxious to check the sixth and seventh (Australia and Antarctica) off his list!

Due to the international travel that comes with my husband’s job, we have been very lucky to avail ourselves of frequent flier miles and hotel points, allowing our travels to be much more affordable. Also due to my husband’s job, I’ve been able to tag along to Israel with him five times. It is one of my favorite places in the world and I truly love so much of the country. Not only do I love the Holy Sites—they are a must for any trip to Israel—but I am also enamored with all of the small, ancient cities and ports. One incredible Israeli spot is Jaffa, which is the world’s oldest continually-operating port and has been running for over 4,000 years! I also love Israel for how it puts America into context; we think a 200-year-old building here is so old, but compared to structures and towns in the Middle East it’s still quite shiny and new!

When we travel, we also make sure to visit museums, zoos, theater and entertainment, and local attractions—but again, our favorite activity is definitely trying out new and different cuisines! Traveling has been such a gift in my life, and I am truly grateful for the ability to explore so much of the world and learn about all different peoples, histories, and cultures. Once this campaign is over and before my first session in Congress begins, planning and going on a new adventure is first on my agenda!