Biography

Pete Aguilar, born on June 19, 1979, in Fontana, California, is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 33rd congressional district since 2015. He is a member of the Democratic Party and currently holds the leadership position of Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the highest-ranking Latino in Congress.

Raised in a working-class family in San Bernardino, Aguilar's early work experience included bussing tables at the San Bernardino County Courthouse cafeteria alongside his grandfather. He later served as the Mayor of Redlands from 2010 to 2014, where he was recognized for his bipartisan approach and commitment to community development.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Government and Business Administration from the University of Redlands.

• Political Experience:

  • Appointed Deputy Director of the Inland Empire Regional Office by Governor Gray Davis in 2001.
  • Served on the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014.
  • Elected Mayor of Redlands in 2010 and re-elected in 2012.
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing California's 31st district, which was renumbered to the 33rd district after the 2020 redistricting cycle.
  • Served as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 2021 to 2023.
  • Elected Chair of the House Democratic Caucus in 2023.

Throughout his tenure, Aguilar has focused on issues such as job creation, immigration reform, healthcare access, and veterans' affairs. He has been instrumental in securing federal funding for local projects in the Inland Empire, including infrastructure improvements and mental health services.