Jimmy Panetta (CA-19)

Biography

Jimmy Panetta is a Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 19th Congressional District, which stretches from south San Jose in Santa Clara County, through Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, to northern San Luis Obispo County. First elected in 2016, he is serving his fifth term, having been sworn in on January 3, 2017, and previously represented the 20th District before redistricting. The son of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, he serves on the House Committees on Ways and Means and Budget, and as Chief Deputy Whip in the 119th Congress. Notable achievements include passing legislation for clean energy, forest and pollinator protection, support for health care workers and military families, and legal aid for homeless veterans; he is also a co-founder of the National Security Task Force and introduced the KITTEN Act to limit animal testing. A Bronze Star recipient for meritorious service in Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer, he was named Monterey County Veteran of the Year in 2015.

Education and Political Experience

• Graduated from Carmel High School, attended Monterey Peninsula College, earned a B.A. in international relations from the University of California, Davis , and received a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.
• Began legal career in 1996 as a prosecutor in Alameda County District Attorney's Office; later Deputy District Attorney in Monterey County on the Gang Team prosecuting violent offenders; appointed to California Councils on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.
• Commissioned in 2003 with U.S. Navy Reserve; deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 with Special Operations, earning Bronze Star; served eight years total.
• Post-military: Board member, Veterans Transition Center ; helped open Monterey County's first Veterans Treatment Court; aided Central Coast Veterans Cemetery; boards for Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, Community Foundation for Monterey County, National Steinbeck Center; Chair, Monterey Peninsula College Citizens Bond Oversight Committee; Trustee, UC Santa Cruz Foundation.