Biography

Gilbert Ray Cisneros Jr., born on February 12, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 31st Congressional District since January 3, 2025. He previously served as the representative for California's 39th District from 2019 to 2021. A U.S. Navy veteran, Cisneros served as a supply officer from 1994 to 2004, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander and earning commendations such as the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

In 2010, after winning a $266 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot, Cisneros and his wife, Jacki, established The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation, focusing on educational initiatives for Latino students. They also founded Generation First Degree Pico Rivera, aiming to ensure every Latino household in Pico Rivera has at least one college graduate.

Cisneros served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness from August 2021 to September 2023, where he was appointed as the Pentagon's first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in April 2022.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The George Washington University
• Master of Business Administration from Regis University
• Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy from Brown University
  

Political Experience

• U.S. Representative for California's 31st Congressional District
• Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
• U.S. Representative for California's 39th Congressional District
  

During his tenure in Congress, Cisneros has been a strong advocate for veterans and military families, serving on the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees. He co-founded the Military Transition Assistance Pathway Caucus to support service members transitioning to civilian life. As Under Secretary of Defense, he focused on force readiness, personnel management, and diversity and inclusion within the Department of Defense.

Cisneros is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, reflecting his commitment to representing diverse communities.