Biography
Tony Cárdenas is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for California's 29th congressional district from 2013 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first Latino elected to represent the San Fernando Valley in Congress. Born on March 31, 1963, in Pacoima, Los Angeles, Cárdenas was raised by his immigrant parents, Andrés and María Cárdenas, who instilled in him the values of integrity and dedication. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1986.
Education and Political Experience
Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara .
California State Assembly: Elected in 1996 to represent the 39th district; served three terms until 2002.
Los Angeles City Council: Represented the 6th district from 2003 to 2013; re-elected in 2007 and 2011.
U.S. House of Representatives: Served from 2013 to 2025, representing California's 29th district.
Throughout his political career, Cárdenas has been a strong advocate for education reform, juvenile justice, and economic development. He co-authored the bipartisan At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act, ensuring health and mental care coverage for at-risk youth reentering the community from juvenile detention centers. In 2022, he launched a bid to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, aiming to grow the party's caucus and support Democratic candidates nationwide.
