Legislators’ Tattoos Show Love of Public Service

Political passion runs more than skin-deep for some state legislators who have chosen to express their love for public service in a permanent way-through tattoos.

Whether it's a quote from the Constitution or a state seal, some lawmakers say body ink has become more accepted in government settings and can make an important statement.

"It lets people know that I'm just a regular person," says North Carolina Sen. Bobby Hanig (R). "I believe that so many people have this misconception about politicians. And I'm just an everyday guy. I'm approachable, you can talk to me. And I think that's important for people to know."

Hanig, who also has served in the North Carolina House, says he doesn't believe tattoos elicit the same stigma they used to, and all politicians should feel comfortable enough to express their beliefs and accomplishments, just as anyone else would. He wanted to commemorate his accomplishments on the back of his calves with the seal for each chamber.

"It is an unbelievable honor and privilege for me to have served in both chambers, and I felt that it was important enough for me to let people know that I've done that," Hanig says.

Virginia Sen. Danica Roem (D) voted to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in January 2020 and had the first 24 words of the amendment's text tattooed on her left bicep the night before Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA.

"It's not every day you have the opportunity to amend the Constitution of the United States," she says. "It's a mission statement for me, trying to make Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth and America a more inclusive country."

Like Hanig, former Iowa Sen. Jeff Danielson (D) got a tattoo to recognize his legislative service. On his upper right arm, his ink displays a bald eagle, the Iowa state motto, Roman letters for democracy, and "Iowa State Senate" arching over it all.

Hanig and Roem both say they've faced little to no criticism from their constituents or fellow legislators for their tattoos, but Danielson says he experienced some pushback on his ink.

"It was a way to express my life of service," he says. "All of my tattoos have something to do with meaningful moments in my life, and this was no different. If people didn't like it, I didn't care."

Despite losing reelection in 2019, Danielson says he has no regrets about his tattoo and still firmly stands behind what it represents.

"I love it," he says. "It expresses an important part of my life. I spent almost 16 years in the Senate, and I still think it stands the test of time. How can you go wrong with red, white and blue, democracy and an American eagle?"

Grace Olson is an intern in NCSL's Communications Division.

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