Summary
Current Position: US Representative of CA District 39 since 2013 (formerly 41st)
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: English Teacher from 1990 – 2013
Other positions: House Veterans Affairs Committee
District: parts of Riverside County, including Jurupa Valley, Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris.
Upcoming Election:
Quotes:
In 2012, I became the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress. Today I’m serving as Speaker Pro Tem as the House prepares to vote on the #EqualityAct. I’m thinking of those who marched and built a movement to protect the lives of LGBTQ+ people and expand our rights.
Rep. Mark Takano of California speaks at the Democratic National Convention
OnAir Post: Mark Takano CA-39
News
About
Source: Government page
For more than twenty years, Mark Takano has worked to improve the lives of Riverside County residents, both as an elected official and as a teacher at Rialto High School.
Born and raised in Riverside, Mark’s commitment to public service began at an early age. His family roots in Riverside go back to his grandparents who, along with his parents, were removed from their respective homes and sent to Japanese American Internment camps during World War II. After the war, these two families settled in Riverside County to rebuild their lives.
Mark attended La Sierra High School in the Alvord Unified School District, and in 1979 he graduated as the school’s valedictorian. Mark attended Harvard College and received his bachelor’s degree in Government in 1983. As a student, he bussed tables to help make ends meet. During his senior year, he organized a transcontinental bicycle ride to benefit the international development agency Oxfam America.
Upon graduation, Mark returned home to Riverside and began teaching in the Rialto Unified School District in 1988. As a classroom teacher, Mark confronted the challenges in our public education system daily.
In 1990, Mark was elected to the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees. At RCC, Mark worked with Republicans and Democrats to improve higher education for young people and job training opportunities for adults seeking to learn a new skill or start a new career. He was elected Board President in 1991 and helped the Board and the District gain stability and direction amid serious fiscal challenges.
In 2012, Mark became the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress.
Mark Takano represents the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley and Perris in the United States House of Representatives. He serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and as a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee.
As former Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Mark authored the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or the Honoring our PACT Act, comprehensive toxic exposure legislation that addresses the full scope of issues affecting toxic-exposed veterans’ access to VA care and benefits. The Honoring our PACT Act expanded VA healthcare eligibility for over 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits, established a presumption of service connection for over 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, and also eliminated the requirement that veterans prove exposure to toxic substances – a requirement that has often prevented many from accessing the care and benefits they have earned and deserve.
Personal
Full Name: Mark Allan Takano
Gender: Male
Family: Single
Birth Date: 12/10/1960
Birth Place: Riverside, CA
Home City: Riverside, CA
Religion: Methodist
Source: Vote Smart
Education
MFA, Creative Writing for the Performing Arts, University of California at Riverside, 2010
Certified, Teaching, University of California at Riverside, 1987
BA, Government, Harvard College, 1983
Political Experience
Representative, United States House of Representatives, California, District 39, 2023-present
Representative, United States House of Representatives, District 41, 2012-2023
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, California, District 39, 2022
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, 1992, 1998
Professional Experience
Former Teacher, Rialto Unified School District, 1992-2013
Offices
RIVERSIDE COUNTY3403 10th Street, Suite 610
Riverside, CA 92501
p 951.222.0203
f 951.222.0217
WASHINGTON DC2078 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
p 202.225.2305
f 202.225.7018
Contact
Email: Government
Web Links
Politics
Source: none
Finances
Source: Open Secrets
Committees
House Education and The Workforce Committee
The House Education and the Workforce Committee oversees programs that affect all Americans, from early learning and higher education to job training and retirement security.
- Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
The Subcommittee on Workforce Protections has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues that affect American workers, including wages and hours, safety and health, trade and immigration and all matters related to equal employment opportunity and civil rights in employment.
- Subcommittee on Higher Education & Workforce Development
Subcommittee on Higher Education & Workforce Development has jurisdiction education and workforce development beyond the high school level, including but not limited to higher education generally, postsecondary student assistance and employment services, and the Higher Education Act.
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (Ranking Member)
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for reviewing veterans’ programs, examining current laws, and reports bills and amendments to strengthen existing laws concerning veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), such as health care, disability compensation, GI Bill education and job training, home loan guarantees, life insurance policies, and a nationwide system of veterans’ cemeteries.
- Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over education of veterans, employment and training of veterans, vocational rehabilitation, veterans’ housing programs, readjustment of servicemembers to civilian life, and servicemembers civil relief.
- Subcommittee on Health
The Subcommittee on Health has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over the Veterans Health Administration including medical services, medical support and compliance, medical facilities, medical and prosthetic research, and major and minor construction.
Caucuses
Congressional Equality Caucus (Co-Chair)
The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus leads efforts in the House of Representatives to advance LGBT equality. The Caucus helps coordinate proposals to end discrimination against LGBT Americans in marriage, employment, housing, education, and other areas. As one of the six openly-LGBT members of the House, Rep. Takano serves as Co-Chair of the Caucus.
Congressional Progressive Caucus (Vice-Chair)
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is the largest caucus of House Democrats and reflects the diversity and strength of the American people while seeking to give voice to the needs and aspirations of all Americans and to build a more just and humane society.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (Vice-Chair)
CAPAC is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, as well as Members dedicated to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The caucus’s central purpose is to ensure that the priorities and needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are being reflected in Congress.
U.S.-Japan Friendship Commission (Member)
The U.S.-Japan Friendship Commission is an independent federal government agency established by Congress in 1975. It is a grant making agency that supports research, education, public affairs and exchange with Japan. The Commission’s mission is to support reciprocal people-to-people understanding, and promote partnerships that advance common interests between Japan and the United States.
Congressional Deaf Caucus (Co-Chair)
The Congressional Deaf Caucus is dedicated to helping bridge the communication divide between Members of Congress and their Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituents, as well as empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals through promoting equal access for all.
Congressional Maker Caucus (Co-Chair)
The Congressional Maker Caucus works to support and advocate for the community of makers who use technologies such as 3-D printers, CNC machines, laser cutting machines and other manufacturing technologies that enable anyone from individuals to small and large companies to create new products.
Congressional Battery Energy Storage Caucus (Co-Chair)
The Congressional Battery Storage Caucus advocates for battery storage technology research and development, explores policies that encourage battery storage technology, and promotes awareness of this expanding industry in Congress.
Other Caucuses: Small Business Caucus, HIV/AIDS Caucus, Congressional Diabetes Caucus, Kidney Caucus, Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force, P3 Caucus, Hepatitis Caucus, Wire and Wire Products Caucus, Small Brewers Caucus, Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers, Affordable Medicines Caucus, Army Aviation Caucus, National Guard and Reserve Caucus, Veterans Jobs Caucus, History Caucus, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, American Sikh Congressional Caucus, Japan Caucus, Democratic Israel Working Group, US Philippines Friendship Caucus, Out of Poverty Caucus, Black Men and Boys Caucus, International Conservation Caucus, Congressional Automotive and Motorsports Caucus, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, Baby Caucus, Humanities Caucus, Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, Renewable Energy and Efficiency Caucus, Public Transportation Caucus, Congressional Water Caucus, Black Maternal Health Caucus, Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, Fusion Energy Caucus, Friends of Australia Caucus
New Legislation
Issues
Source: Government page
Education
As a teacher for more than 20 years, I bring practical knowledge to Congress about which educational reforms will actually impact classroom performance positively, and I plan to work with my colleagues to implement them. I know that future economic prosperity requires a strong investment in education and workforce training today.
Energy and Environment
California is known for its beautiful mountains, shoreline, and diverse landscape. As a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Subcommittees on Energy and the Environment, I am in the unique position to work with my colleagues to help protect the environment by working to ensure clean air and water for future generations to come, to combat climate change, and to promote scientific innovation, technology and clean energy sources.
Health Care
I am a vocal advocate for quality, affordable health care for everyone in the Inland Empire. My top priorities are to support the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and attract physicians to provide care in our region.
Housing
The Inland Empire was hit particularly hard by the foreclosure crisis. Although recent trends show that the number of foreclosures is dropping, the federal government can do more to keep people in their homes and ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable housing.
Jobs and the Economy
One of my top priorities in Congress is to help bring jobs back to the Inland Empire and spur economic investment in our region. Despite recent improvements in the nation’s economic outlook, any recovery will be gradual, and the unemployment rate in Riverside County has remained higher than the national average.
National Security
Securing our nation from foreign threats, including terrorism, must be a priority of Congress. It is critical that our military personnel have the equipment, resources, and support they need to protect this country.
Public Safety
We all have the right to live in safe and secure communities. It is my duty as your Congressman to promote policies that curb gun violence, support our first responders, address issues in our criminal justice system, and a practical approach to drug policy.
Seniors
Millions of Americans have worked hard their entire lives and depend on Social Security and Medicare during their retirement. I will work to preserve and protect these vital programs, so that all seniors can have the dignified retirement they’ve earned.
More Information
Services
Source: Government page
District
Source: Wikipedia
California’s 39th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California. The district includes parts of Riverside County, including Jurupa Valley, Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris. The district has been represented by Democrat Mark Takano ever since he was redistricted from the 41st congressional district in 2022.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Mark Allan Takano (/təˈkɑːnoʊ/ tə-KAH-no; born December 10, 1960) is an American politician and academic who has served in the United States House of Representatives since 2013, representing California’s 41st congressional district from 2013 to 2023, and the state’s 39th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Takano became the first gay person of Asian descent in Congress upon taking office.
Early life, education, and academic career
Takano was born in 1960 in Riverside, California.[1] His family was relocated and interned from California to a “War Relocation Camp” during World War II.[2] He is Sansei, that is, the grandson of people born in Japan who immigrated to the United States.[3] He attended La Sierra High School in the Alvord Unified School District, where he graduated as class valedictorian.[4] In high school, he also participated in the Junior State of America, a national student-run organization centered around debate and civic engagement in young people, and was elected lieutenant governor of the Southern California State.[5] He graduated from Harvard University with an AB in government in 1983[6] and from the University of California, Riverside with an MFA in creative writing for the performing arts in 2010.[7]
Takano taught British literature in public schools for 23 years.[2] He was a member of the Republican Party through college, when he became a member of the Democratic Party.[6] In 1990 he was elected to the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees.[8] While on the board, he shepherded a measure that gave college employees domestic partner benefits.[2]
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
1992
Takano ran for the United States House of Representatives in California’s 43rd congressional district. He won a seven-candidate Democratic primary with 29% of the vote.[2][9] Republican Ken Calvert defeated Takano by 519 votes, 47%–46%.[10][11]
1994
Takano defeated Raven Lopez Workman in the Democratic primary, 70%–30%.[12] During the campaign, Republican State Assemblyman Ray Haynes outed Takano, calling him a “homosexual liberal”.[13] In the general election, Calvert defeated Takano, 55%–38%.[14][15]
2012
In July 2011, Takano announced he would run for the House in the newly redrawn 41st congressional district, established in the redistricting following the 2010 United States census.[1] Five candidates ran for the open seat. In the June 2012 open primary, John Tavaglione, a Republican who sat on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors,[16] ranked first with 45% of the votes. Takano ranked second with 37%.[17] In the November general election, Takano defeated Tavaglione, 58%–42%.[18][19] Takano became the first openly gay non-white member of the House.[2][20][21]
Committee assignments
For the 118th Congress:[22]
Caucus memberships
- Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus[23] (co-chair)
- Congressional Progressive Caucus[24]
- Medicare for All Caucus
- Congressional Energy Storage Caucus (co-chair)
After Corrine Brown‘s indictment on July 8, 2016, she temporarily stepped down as ranking member of the Veterans Committee, leaving Takano as acting ranking member until the end of the 114th Congress.[25] When the Democrats took the House majority after the 2018 elections, Takano became the chair of the committee.
Tenure
When Representative Bill Cassidy circulated a draft letter opposing an immigration reform bill in 2013, asking for signatures, Takano marked it up in red pen like a high school assignment and gave it an F, with comments like, “exaggeration – avoid hyperbole.”[26]
Takano co-chairs the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus[27] and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus,[28] the Congressional Arts Caucus,[29] the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus,[30] the United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus,[31] U.S.-Japan Caucus,[32] and the Advanced Energy Storage Caucus.
For his tenure as the chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the 116th Congress, Takano earned an “A” grade from the nonpartisan Lugar Center’s Congressional Oversight Hearing Index.[33]
Political positions
Abortion
As of 2022, Takano has a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and an F rating from the Susan B. Anthony List for his abortion-related voting record.[34][35] He opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling it “offensive and radical”.[36]
Donald Trump
Takano supported both impeachments of Donald Trump.[37]
Gun control
Takano supports gun control efforts. In the wake of the 2015 San Bernardino attack, he criticized Congress for its inability to pass gun control laws, describing the shooting in San Bernardino as “the cost of inaction.”[38]
2020 presidential election
Takano endorsed Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary election,[39] saying Sanders “has a bold vision” and “can get things done”.[40] After Sanders dropped out of the primaries, Takano endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden.[41]
Transgender issues
Takano is a supporter of transgender rights,[42] and was against the passing of H.R. 734: Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.[43] Takano appeared in the film What is a Woman?, being interviewed by Matt Walsh. The interview broached the topic of trans bathroom use, to which Takano responded by defending his belief in transgender identities before abruptly exiting the interview. While exiting, he ignored Walsh’s attempts to ask him what a woman is.[44]
See also
- List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
- List of LGBT members of the United States Congress
References
- ^ a b Goad, Ben (July 1, 2011). “Congress: Takano will seek proposed Riverside-area seat”. PE.com. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Johnson, Chris (December 22, 2011). “Takano on path to make history in Calif. race”. Washington Blade. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ Furutani, Warren. “Welcoming a New Generation of Nikkei Leaders,” Rafu Shimpo (Los Angeles). November 23, 2012; retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ^ “Meet Mark | Mark Takano: Teacher for Congress”. Mark Takano. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ “Notable Alumni of the Junior State of America”. Junior State of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
- ^ a b “Harvard Grad Turns Democrat to Win Votes”. The Harvard Crimson. October 21, 1992. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
- ^ “Mark Takano, D-Calif. (41st District)”. Roll Call. November 7, 2012. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
- ^ “Board Members”. www.rccd.edu. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
- ^ “CA District 43-D Primary Race – Jun 02, 1992”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ “CA District 43 Race – Nov 03, 1992”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ “California House Race Could be a Soap Opera”. Albany, Georgia. Associated Press. November 3, 1994. p. 2A. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ^ “CA District 43 – D Primary Race – Jun 07, 1994”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ Goad, Ben (September 21, 2012). “2012 Elections: Takano sees changed political landscape”. The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
- ^ “CA District 43 Race – Nov 08, 1994”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ Morrison, Patt (November 11, 1994). “Snapshots of life in the Golden State. : In This Sleaziest of Races, Victor Won by a Mudslide”. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ “Riverside County Supervisors Marion Ashley and John Tavaglione say goodbye”. Press Enterprise. December 11, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ “CA – District 41 – Open Primary Race – Jun 05, 2012”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ “CA – District 41 Race – Nov 06, 2012”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- ^ Goad, Ben (November 6, 2012). “Congress District 41: Takano has double-digit lead over Tavaglione in nationally watched race”. The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- ^ David Crary, AP National Writer. “Record number of gays seeking seats in Congress”. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ Candido, Sergio N. (October 29, 2012). “Top 5 Gay National Races”. SFGN. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- ^ “Mark Takano”. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ “Hoyer Congratulates Leaders of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus for the 117th Congress”. The Office of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. December 18, 2020.
- ^ “Caucus Members”. US House of Representatives. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (July 11, 2016). “Congress: Corrine Brown indictment makes Mark Takano ranking Democrat on veterans’ affairs committee”. The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
- ^ Rep. Mark Takano Corrects Republican Letter, Proves He Will Always Be A Teacher, By Rebecca Klein, Huffington Post, 07/12/2013
- ^ “Members”. LGBT Equality Caucus. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
- ^ “Caucus Members”. Congressional Progressive Caucus. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
- ^ “Membership”. Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on January 20, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ “Members”. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
- ^ “Our Members”. U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
- ^ “Members”. U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ “Congressional Oversight Hearing Index”. Welcome to the Congressional Oversight Hearing Index. The Lugar Center.
- ^ “Congressional Record”. NARAL Pro-Choice America. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ “Mark Takano”. SBA Pro-Life America. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ “Rep. Takano Statement on the Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade | U.S. Congressman Mark Takano of California’s 41st District”. Mark Takano. June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ “Congressman Mark Takano Calls for Impeachment Proceedings Against President Trump”. NBC Los Angeles. August 24, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
- ^ Broverman, Neal (December 3, 2015). “San Bernardino-Area Gay Congressman Blasts ‘Inaction’ on Gun Control”. Advocate. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
- ^ Moreno, J. Edward (March 10, 2020). “Rep. Mark Takano endorses Sanders”. The Hill. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ Rep. Mark Takano Endorses Bernie for President, retrieved December 16, 2022
- ^ “Rep. Takano Statement on President Joe Biden’s First State of the Union Address | U.S. Congressman Mark Takano of California’s 41st District”. takano.house.gov. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ “Sen. Schatz, Rep. Takano, Rep. Lee Lead GLSEN Rise Up Resolution”. GLSEN. March 29, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ Migdon, Brooke (April 17, 2023). “GOP education committee chair: ‘I don’t know what a trans girl is’“. The Hill. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ Hayton, Debbie (June 17, 2022). “‘What is a woman?’: the trans film that makes for harrowing viewing”. The Spectator. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
External links
- Congressman Mark Takano official U.S. House website
- Mark Takano for Congress campaign website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Mark Takano at Curlie
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
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