Born on October 20, 1978, in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, this Representative from California pursued a robust academic journey, graduating from Loyola High School in 1997. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 2001, followed by a Juris Doctor from Duke University in 2005. After law school, he entered private practice as a lawyer and worked as a business executive. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in January 2019 and has since been re-elected for three additional terms.
As a member of Congress, he serves on key committees including the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where he emphasizes environmental protection and veteran support. His legislative focus includes issues surrounding clean energy and veteran welfare.
In terms of policy initiatives, the member has sponsored and cosponsored a number of bills that reflect his commitment to environmental sustainability and support for veterans. Significant bills include the California Clean Coast Act of 2025 (HB2820), aimed at permanently prohibiting oil and gas leasing off the California coast, and the VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act (HB2722), which seeks to ensure consistent funding and staffing levels within the Department of Veterans Affairs, reflecting a dedication to support veterans' services.
In addition to these, he has engaged in legislative measures like the Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II (HB1390), which modifies permitting requirements for wastewater discharge, indicating a strong commitment to environmental issues and public health.
Analyzing his legislative record can provide insight into his political leanings. His support for environmental protection efforts signifies a progressive stance. The bills he sponsors frequently emphasize climate change action, sustainability, and the transition toward renewable energy, underpinned by a clear opposition to fossil fuel dependency. His advocacy for veteran-focused legislation reveals a commitment to protecting and enhancing the welfare of veterans, bridging healthcare, employment, and support services, which aligns with liberal policy perspectives on social welfare.
As a representative, he remains active in public life, continuously working to align his legislative efforts with the needs of his constituents in California, particularly regarding environmental initiatives and veteran affairs.