Born on January 3, 1974, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, this member represents California in Congress. They completed a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1996 and went on to receive their Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2001. Prior to entering politics, they served as a law professor and were involved in the California state department of justice, working in the Attorney General's office from 2012 to 2014. Their academic career included a faculty position at the University of California, Irvine, from 2011 to 2018. This member has been elected as a Democrat to the 116th Congress and the two succeeding Congresses, serving from January 3, 2019, until January 3, 2025. They chose not to run for re-election for the 119th Congress in 2024 but previously sought a nomination for the United States Senate.

Throughout their congressional career, this member has served on various committees, where they have focused on a range of issues including health care, consumer protection, and banking. The member has co-sponsored important legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, such as the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023, which aims to expand Medicare coverage to include essential health care services. Additionally, they supported the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, imposing sanctions designed to restrict financial support to certain groups.

Significantly, the member's commitment to consumer protection is illustrated through their involvement in the California Clean School Bus Equity Act, which seeks to ensure equitable investment in school bus infrastructure aiming for a cleaner environment. Their advocacy is evident in the Vote by Mail Tracking Act, which passed with broad bipartisan support, aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in mail voting processes.

This member’s legislative initiatives also reflect a strong focus on enhancing governmental accountability and addressing potential conflicts of interest among lawmakers. They sponsored the Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust in Congress Act, requiring members of Congress to place their investments in qualified blind trusts to boost transparency and reduce conflicts of interest.

Examining this member's legislative priorities provides insight into their political leanings. Their strong support for consumer protection, health care expansion, and government accountability indicates a commitment to progressive values centered on equity and integrity in public service. The combination of their sponsorship of bills focused on healthcare access, civil rights, and environmental protection positions them firmly in line with the broader Democratic agenda, particularly focusing on social equity and transparency.

Overall, this member’s biography reflects a blend of academic excellence, legal expertise, and a progressive policy agenda, contributing to their role as a dedicated advocate for their constituents and broader social issues. Their commitment to significant legislative issues underscores their goal of forming tangible improvements in both institutions and communities.

This member is also known for valuing community engagement, as shown by various commemorative actions such as the Dr. William I. ‘Bill’ Kott Post Office Building, honoring influential figures in their community, reinforcing the connection between public service and local impact.