Born on August 18, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, this member of Congress has immersed themselves in civic engagement from a young age. After graduating from Edison High School in Fresno, California, in 1988, they earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1992, followed by a Master’s in Public Affairs from UCLA in 1997, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University in 2020.

The congressperson has demonstrated a commitment to public service through a series of local government roles, including serving as a city council member and mayor of Big Bear, California, from 2010 to 2014. Following this, they were a member of the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2020. Since being elected to Congress as a Republican in January 2021, they have actively participated in legislative processes and engaged in various political initiatives.

Legislative Contributions

The member's legislative work has focused extensively on environmental management and local resource issues. They co-sponsored the Action Versus No Action Act (HB189), aimed at streamlining the environmental assessment process related to forest management on public lands. This bill limits the scope of environmental assessments to consider only the effects of proposed forest management activities, presenting a more hands-on approach to managing California’s forest resources in a period of heightened concern over wildfire risk.

Another significant involvement includes co-sponsoring the WATER for California Act (HB215), which aims to ensure reliable water allocations from the Central Valley Project to agricultural contractors, directly addressing issues of drought and water management in California. Furthermore, they are identified with bipartisan efforts through support for initiatives like the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act, showcasing a commitment to improving healthcare access in remote areas.

Committee Memberships

The congressperson holds memberships on several key committees, including:

• Budget
• Energy and Commerce
• Communications and Technology Subcommittee
• Health Subcommittee
• Science, Space and Technology Committee

These positions enable them to influence a wide range of issues from energy policy to health care provisions, resonating with their focus on infrastructure and resource management.

Political Leanings

The congressperson's political leanings can be characterized as generally aligned with centrist Republican values, focusing on pragmatic solutions to environmental issues and community resource management. Their legislative agenda, particularly the emphasis on reducing regulatory hurdles for forest management and advocating for agricultural water rights, suggests a priority on local governance and resource sustainability. Additionally, their co-sponsorship of bipartisan legislation indicates a willingness to collaborate across party lines when it aligns with their constituents' needs, particularly regarding healthcare access and support for tribal communities.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

An entrepreneur and a pilot, the congressperson has also contributed to local governance beyond legislative chambers. They served on the board of directors for the Big Bear airport, reflecting their commitment to local development initiatives. Further personal details about family life are not publicly documented, yet their trajectory showcases a significant dedication to public service and community enhancement.

In summary, this member of Congress has been a proactive advocate for Californian interests, particularly in environmental management and infrastructure, balancing local needs with broader legislative initiatives while firmly holding to Republican values. Their ongoing efforts in different committees reflect a dedication to improving quality of life for residents of their district.