Biography
Ann Marie Buerkle is a life-long Central New Yorker who proudly represents the people of New York State’s 25th Congressional District. She was elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 2010 general election and took the oath of office on January 5, 2011.
The third oldest of five children, Ann Marie Buerkle was born in Auburn, New York; her grandparents were all immigrants to the United States from Italy. She attended elementary and high school in Auburn, and worked in her parent’s grocery store, the Mohican Market. A witness to the strong work ethic of her parents, Ann Marie was raised to believe that through hard work she could achieve the American dream.
She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1972 and went to work in New York City’s Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. In 1977, she graduated from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1991, Ann Marie returned to college, this time to earn her law degree. She graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1994 with a Juris Doctorate degree.
She worked in a private law firm, and in 1997 was appointed, by then Attorney General Dennis Vacco, as an Assistant New York State Attorney General representing the State of New York on behalf of Upstate Medical University. For 13 years she served in this capacity, and in 2010 she took a leave of absence in order to pursue a seat in Congress.
Representative Buerkle has donated her time and experience as a pro bono attorney for the Central New York Women’s Bar Association as an advocate for Vera House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Ann Marie has six grown children and thirteen grandchildren. All of her children live outside of New York State. Her love for this country and her desire to give her kids and grandkids the same opportunities that she has had inspired her to run for Congress.
Ann Marie believes in the greatness of the United States and that the American dream exists. As a United States Representative in Congress she wants to restore government to its proper role. She is a pro-growth leader who knows that lower taxes, less spending and limited government interference are the answers for a strong America.
