Pete Aguilar

Biography

Peter Rey Aguilar is an American politician born on June 19, 1979, representing California's 33rd congressional district since 2015. A fourth-generation Inland Empire resident, Aguilar grew up in a working-class family in San Bernardino, where his father worked as a union worker for a local utility company. He started his first job at age twelve, working with his grandfather at the San Bernardino County Courthouse cafeteria, and worked two jobs through college with the assistance of federal grants and student loans.

Aguilar is married to Alisha and has two sons, residing in Redlands. He is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Education

Aguilar graduated from the University of Redlands in 2001 with a degree in Government and Business Administration.

Political Experience

Aguilar's political career began in the state government sector, serving as district office staff in the Office of Governor Gray Davis from 2001 to 2003, and later as interim director and deputy director of the Inland Empire Regional Office of the Governor. He also worked in the private sector as director of government affairs for Arrowhead Credit Union from 2003 to 2010.

At the local level, Aguilar served on the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014 and as Mayor of Redlands from 2010 to 2014, earning a reputation for bipartisanship and community commitment.

In Congress, Aguilar was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing California's 31st district . He has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2024. In 2023, he became Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the highest-ranking Latino-American in congressional history.

During his tenure, Aguilar has focused on immigration reform, job creation, trade practices, gun control, national security, LGBT issues, veteran affairs, drug prevention, student loan debt, and environmental protection. He serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Defense. His legislative work has included supporting cybersecurity initiatives within the military, preventing discrimination against LGBT government contractors, funding for homeless veterans, and research into opioid addiction.