Biography
Jay Obernolte is a Republican politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 23rd Congressional District since January 3, 2023. Prior to his tenure in Congress, he served in the California State Assembly representing the 33rd District from 2014 to 2020 and was the Mayor of Big Bear Lake, California. Born on August 18, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, Obernolte is also the founder and president of FarSight Studios, a video game development company established in 1990.
Education
-
Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology , 1992.
-
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of California, Los Angeles , 1997.
-
Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University , 2020.
Political Experience
-
Mayor of Big Bear Lake, California: Served as mayor and city council member, focusing on local governance and community development.
-
California State Assembly: Elected in 2014 to represent the 33rd District, where he worked on legislation to lower taxes, protect personal liberties, and uphold law and order.
-
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2020 to represent California's 8th Congressional District; re-elected in 2022 to represent the 23rd District.
Notable Achievements and Positions
-
Committee Assignments:
-
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Serves on subcommittees including Communications and Technology, Health, and Innovation, Data, and Commerce.
-
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee.
-
Legislative Initiatives:
- Authored legislation to enhance cybersecurity measures in response to cyberattacks on critical supply chains.
- Advocated for balancing the federal budget and reducing national debt through fiscal responsibility.
-
Community Engagement:
- Provides free air transport to wounded veterans and their families through the Veterans Airlift Command.
- Holds a fifth-degree black belt in Pacific Unified Martial Arts and continues to teach self-defense.
Obernolte resides in Big Bear Lake with his wife, Heather, and their two sons, Hale and Troy.
