Biography

Representative Jimmy Panetta, a member of the Democratic Party, serves California's 19th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His district encompasses areas from south San Jose in Santa Clara County, through Santa Cruz County, down the coastline of Monterey County, and into northern San Luis Obispo County. First elected in 2016, he is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Panetta holds positions on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on the Budget. Additionally, he serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the 119th Congress.

Born on October 1, 1969, in Washington, D.C., Representative Panetta is the son of Leon Panetta, who held several senior government positions, including Secretary of Defense, CIA Director, and White House Chief of Staff. He grew up on the Central Coast of California, attending local public schools and Monterey Peninsula College. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a bachelor's degree in International Relations and earned his law degree from Santa Clara University.

Prior to his congressional career, Representative Panetta served as a deputy district attorney in Monterey County, where he prosecuted violent gang members to pursue justice for victims and enhance community safety. In 2003, he was commissioned as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 2007, he volunteered for active duty and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

After returning home, Representative Panetta served on the board of the Veterans Transition Center, worked to establish Monterey County's first Veterans Treatment Court, and played a key role in creating the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery on the former Fort Ord. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Monterey County Veteran of the Year in 2015.

He is married to Carrie McIntyre Panetta, a Superior Court judge in Monterey County, and they have two daughters.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of California, Davis
  • Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016
  • Serving his fifth term representing California's 19th Congressional District
  • Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means
  • Member of the House Committee on the Budget
  • Serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the 119th Congress

Throughout his tenure, Representative Panetta has focused on issues such as affordable housing, immigration reform, environmental protection, healthcare access, agricultural support, gun violence reduction, tax code fairness, infrastructure investment, conservation practices, military support, and veterans' benefits.