Born in Saratoga, California, on April 16, 1970, this member of the U.S. House of Representatives has a diverse educational and professional background. They graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California, in 1987, followed by earning an A.B. from Georgetown University in 1991. Their academic journey continued at Harvard University, where they received both a Master of Public Policy and a Juris Doctor in 1996.
Professionally, they have held various roles in the legal and public service sectors. This individual served as an assistant United States attorney in San Diego from 1998 to 2000 before becoming a deputy district attorney in Santa Clara County from 2001 to 2006. Their commitment to public service continued as they were elected to the San Jose City Council in 2007. Following this, they served as the Mayor of San Jose from 2015 until 2023. They were elected to the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025, representing California as a Democrat.
As a member of Congress, they serve on multiple committees, including the Financial Services Committee and the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee, which shapes their legislative focus towards issues of economic policy and national security. Moreover, they are part of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, adding an additional layer to their role in governmental accountability.
The representative has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills, indicating a strong focus on family support, economic fairness, and social justice. Among these is the Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (HR23) that aims to facilitate remote voting for new parents, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and family support. This bill, if passed, could bring significant changes to how voting is approached in Congress, promoting greater participation from members facing parental duties.
They are also a co-sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act (HB17), which seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to strengthen protections against gender-based pay discrimination by requiring employers to justify pay disparities not based on gender. This legislation highlights the member's advocacy for gender equity in the workplace.
Additionally, the member has shown an interest in addressing trade policies through the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act (HB407), which would limit the President’s authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, particularly concerning implementation of tariffs. This reflects a broader legislative focus on economic fairness and the impact of trade regulations on consumers and businesses.
These legislative endeavors suggest that the member aligns with progressive values, advocating for social equity, support for families, and comprehensive economic policies that consider the welfare of all citizens. Their sponsored bills and committee assignments denote a commitment to working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
In their personal life, they are expected to bring a well-rounded perspective to Congress, shaped by their professional experiences and roles in public service. Their background in legal education and public policy enhances their effectiveness in navigating complex legislative issues. As they continue their congressional term, their initiatives and commitments will likely focus on fostering an environment that prioritizes equity, support for families, and robust economic policies that benefit constituents and ensure fair representation for all.