Biography
Nanette Díaz Barragán, born on September 15, 1976, in Harbor City, California, is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 44th congressional district since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the youngest of eleven children born to Mexican immigrant parents. Raised in Torrance, California, Barragán's early experiences in a large, working-class family instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to public service.
Before her tenure in Congress, Barragán served on the Hermosa Beach City Council from 2013 to 2015, where she became the first Latina elected to the council and later served as mayor. During her time on the council, she was a vocal advocate for environmental justice, notably leading efforts to prevent oil drilling in the Santa Monica Bay.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, Barragán has focused on issues such as environmental justice, healthcare access, and immigration reform. She serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and is a member of the Progressive Caucus. In 2019, she became the first Latina in a decade to hold a seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles , 2000.
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Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, 2005.
Political Experience
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U.S. Representative for California's 44th Congressional District: Elected in 2016, re-elected in subsequent terms.
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Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus: Assumed leadership in January 2023.
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Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce: Serving on the Subcommittees on Health and Energy, Climate, & Grid Security.
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Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's Climate Change Task Force: Leading efforts to address environmental justice and promote clean energy initiatives.
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Hermosa Beach City Council Member: 2013–2015; served as mayor during her tenure.
Notable Achievements
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Environmental Advocacy: Successfully led the campaign to prevent oil drilling in the Santa Monica Bay during her time on the Hermosa Beach City Council.
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Introduced the EVs for All Act to establish a grant program supporting electric vehicle car-sharing for public housing residents.
- Co-introduced the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2022 to establish an Office of Environmental Justice at the Department of Justice.
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Healthcare Advocacy: Vocal opponent of proposed Medicaid cuts, emphasizing the program's importance for low-income families and individuals with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Representative Barragán has been a steadfast advocate for environmental justice, healthcare access, and the rights of immigrant communities, reflecting her commitment to serving the diverse constituents of California's 44th district.
