Strickland is also one of the first three Korean-American women elected to Congress, beginning her term on the same day as Republicans Young Kim and Michelle Park Steel.

She used connections in China and Vietnam to draw foreign investors, culminating in Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Tacoma.

[9] In May 2010, the Tacoma Board of Ethics sanctioned Strickland for accepting frequent flyer miles from a local businessman for an official trip to Asia.

[13][14][15] Strickland left the Chamber in early 2020, declaring her candidacy for Washington's 10th congressional district in the 2020 election, a seat being vacated by incumbent Denny Heck.

She and the second-place finisher, Democratic State Representative Beth Doglio, advanced to the November general election.

[23] As a member of the 117th United States Congress, Strickland is the Pacific Northwest's first Black U.S. Representative and one of the first three Korean-American Congresswomen, along with Michelle Steel and Young Kim, who began their terms on the same day.