Mark TakanoIncumbent
Candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 39
Mark Takano is the Democratic incumbent. He represents California's 39th District. It covers part of Riverside County. He has served since January 2013. The district was once called CA-41. It became CA-39 after 2021 redistricting. It covers the same Riverside-area voters. Before Congress, Takano taught British literature in public schools for 23 years. He was elected to the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees in 1990. He has a B.A. from Harvard, earned in 1983. In the House, he serves on Veterans' Affairs. He chaired that committee from 2019 to 2023, when Democrats held the majority. He has been its ranking member since January 2023. He is also a notable first. He is the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress. He lives in Riverside, California. Born December 10, 1958. Home: Riverside, California. Occupation: Member of Congress. Prior office: incumbent since January 2013. He was CA-41 before 2022 redistricting.
On the issues
- Health & Health Care
Supports expanding government health coverage, including cosponsoring Medicare for All legislation.
Source → - Immigration & Border
Supports protections for DACA recipients and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants; opposes construction of a border wall.
Source → - Reproductive & Social Issues
Supports federal abortion rights protections and LGBTQ rights, including the Equality Act.
Source → - Education & Schools
Supports reducing student debt burdens and expanding access to affordable higher education, informed by his background as a public school teacher.
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Supports federal gun safety measures such as background check expansion.
Source → - Environment, Energy & Climate
Supports action on climate change and clean energy investment.
Source → - Veterans' Affairs
Has prioritized expanding veterans' health care and benefits, including addressing toxic exposure (burn pits) claims.
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.