Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and political candidate from northern Kentucky. Born June 3, 1975. First woman in Marine Corps to fly combat mission and first woman to pilot F/A-18 in combat. Served 20 years, flying 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and Taliban in Iraq and Afghanistan. Worked as political adviser, liaison officer, and instructor at U.S. Naval Academy. Member of U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors (2022-present). Founded Honor Bound, Inc., nonprofit for leadership development of women with military/service backgrounds, encouraging them to seek elected office. Married to Erik Henderson (retired Navy lieutenant commander, lifelong Republican); three children; resides in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Northern Kentucky native. Inspired to become fighter pilot at age 12 after studying World War II aviation. First woman to fly combat mission in F/A-18 for Marine Corps; first woman to pilot F/A-18 in combat. 20-year Marine career flying 89 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Family: husband Erik (lifelong Republican); three children. Retired from Marines in 2017 to pursue politics. Lost 2018 House race in KY-6 to Andy Barr by 3 points; lost 2020 Senate race to Mitch McConnell by 19+ points despite record fundraising ($94M+). Founded Honor Bound nonprofit. Member of Naval Academy Board of Visitors.