Liz Cheney
Liz Cheney (born July 28, 1966) is an American attorney and politician known for her tenure in Congress, leadership in the House Republican Conference, and her prominent role in the January 6 Committee. Explore her life, political journey, stances, legacy, and key statements.
Introduction
Elizabeth Lynne Cheney, better known as Liz Cheney, is a prominent American lawyer and former politician. Daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she established her own record in public life—serving as U.S. Representative for Wyoming (2017–2023), rising to Republican leadership, and later becoming a central figure in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Her trajectory is marked by fierce partisanship, internal party conflict, and a reputation for speaking conviction even when politically costly. Her story is as much about principle as politics.
Early Life and Background
Liz Cheney was born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin. Dick Cheney (who would become Vice President of the U.S.) and Lynne Cheney. Mary Cheney.
During her childhood, the family moved between Wyoming and Washington, D.C., reflecting her father’s political career. McLean High School in Virginia and graduated in 1984.
Cheney earned her BA in Political Science from Colorado College in 1988, writing a senior thesis titled “The Evolution of Presidential War Powers.” JD (Juris Doctor) from the University of Chicago Law School in 1996.
Her upbringing in a politically influential family, combined with her legal education, prepared her for a career straddling law, policy, and public service.
Early Career & Government Service
Before entering electoral politics, Cheney worked in various government and policy roles:
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She spent time in the U.S. State Department and USAID early in her career.
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In the George W. Bush administration, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, carrying responsibilities involving Middle East policy and democracy promotion.
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She also chaired the Iran–Syria Policy and Operations Group (ISOG), which focused on U.S. policy toward those countries.
These roles established her reputation as a foreign policy hawk and provided her a platform to influence U.S. strategy abroad.
Congressional Career & Republican Leadership
Election to Congress
In 2016, Cheney ran for Wyoming’s at-large U.S. House seat (vacated by Cynthia Lummis) and won. January 3, 2017, to January 3, 2023.
House Republican Conference Chair
In January 2019, Cheney was elected Chair of the House Republican Conference, making her the third-highest ranking Republican in the House.
During her tenure, she aligned closely with mainstream Republican policy positions on defense, foreign affairs, and conservative issues.
However, her leadership became contentious due to growing tensions within the GOP over support (or criticism) of Donald Trump.
January 6, 2021 & Later Conflict
Vote for Impeachment & Removal from Leadership
Following the January 6 Capitol attack, Cheney broke with many Republicans and voted to impeach Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection.”
Her stance contributed to her removal from her leadership role in May 2021 through a vote within the House GOP.
Role on the January 6 Select Committee
In mid-2021, Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Cheney to the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack. Vice Chair of that committee from September 2021 to January 2023.
Her work on the committee drew both admiration and backlash. Republicans in Wyoming rescinded her party membership in November 2021, and the Republican National Committee censured her in early 2022.
Electoral Defeat & Aftermath
In August 2022, Cheney lost the Republican primary for her House seat, defeated by Harriet Hageman with only 28.9% of the vote.
Following her loss, Cheney has remained a vocal figure promoting what she calls a “restoration” of the GOP grounded in constitutional principles.
In January 2025, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Citizens Medal, citing her service and defense of democracy.
She has also indicated her willingness to support non-Republican candidates when she perceives larger risks to democratic norms. For example, in 2024 she announced her intention to vote for Kamala Harris instead of Trump.
Political Positions & Style
Cheney is often described as a conservative Republican, subscribing to small government, strong national defense, and robust foreign engagement. neoconservatism and institutionalism more than populism.
Key stances:
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She opposed withdrawing from Afghanistan too rapidly and has criticized what she calls the “Putin wing” of the GOP.
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Cheney has historically opposed same-sex marriage, a position that caused personal and political fallout, notably with her sister Mary Cheney. Respect for Marriage Act.
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She has defended aggressive foreign policy tools, including interrogation tactics used during the Bush administration, and opposed nuclear “no-first-use” policies.
Her style is vocal, uncompromising, and often framed as a moral stand—even at the cost of political capital. She leans on constitutional rhetoric and frames her positions in the language of duty, oath, and institutional integrity.
Personal Life
Liz Cheney is married to Philip Perry, a lawyer, since 1993. five children.
She is a member of the United Methodist Church.
Though her public life is highly visible, she maintains relative privacy regarding personal matters.
Notable Quotes
Here are some notable lines attributed to Liz Cheney that reflect her convictions:
“There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath.”
— On her impeachment vote against Trump, January 2021
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced.”
— From her address upon removal from House leadership, May 2021
“We did not have a peaceful transfer of power in 2021.”
— In media commentary, she rejected that narrative about the January 6 events.
“If [Donald Trump] is the nominee, I won’t be a Republican.”
— Declaring her stance ahead of 2024 election cycles
These statements underscore her insistence on accountability and her willingness to diverge from party orthodoxy when her principles demand it.
Lessons & Reflections
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Principle over popularity
Cheney’s career shows the cost of standing apart from one’s party—but also the potential to define one’s legacy by conviction. -
The tension of institutional loyalty
She frames much of her rhetoric in terms of oath, constitution, and institution, even while challenging her own party’s direction. -
Power can come from roles outside office
Though she lost her congressional seat, Cheney continues to shape public discourse, influence debates, and receive national honors. -
Political identities evolve
Cheney’s shift from mainstream Republican leader to critic of her party illustrates how parties and individual alignment can diverge over time. -
Courage invites backlash
Her career demonstrates that political bravery often incurs costs—including isolation, censure, and loss of support—but those costs don’t erase impact.