Rep. Tony Cárdenas

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D California, 29th (2013-) In Office

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Biographical

Full Name: Antonio Cárdenas
Gender: Male
Pronunciation: "TOE"-nee KAR-deh-nahss
Date of Birth: March 31, 1963 (age: 61)
Place of Birth: Pacoima, Calif.
Religion: Protestant
Hometown: Pacoima, Calif.
Place of Residence: Los Angeles, Calif.
Occupation: Real estate broker

Wikipedia

Official biography

Family:

Married: Norma Cardenas

4 children: Alina, Cristian, Andres, Vanessa

Biography:

Raised by hard-working immigrant parents, Tony Cárdenas was brought up with simple ideals – that integrity and dedication were the keys to success. These are the qualities that he has brought to his career as a public servant, and he continues to offer that today as a United States Congressman.

Rep. Cárdenas was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2013 and has represented California’s 29th district since.

Rep. Cárdenas has committed to bringing awareness and change to the issues most important to the San Fernando Valley and its families. He has been recognized locally and nationally for his stance on common sense gun reform, juvenile justice, and championing solutions that will make the U.S. economy even stronger to bring better-paying jobs to the American people.

For instance, following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, Rep. Cárdenas reaffirmed his stance on national issues by pushing Congress to act on a resolution he introduced on the House floor during the 114th Congress. The resolution, H.Res 694, or the Moment of Silence resolution, would amend the rules of the House of Representatives to require that a standing committee hearing be held whenever there is a moment of silence in the House following a tragedy.

And when it comes to America’s youth, Rep. Cárdenas has been a steadfast champion and noted for introducing HR 5100, or the At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act of 2016, during his second term in office. This bill, which has a companion bill in the Senate as led by Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) and Sen. Cory Booker (NJ), would ensure much-needed health and mental care coverage for youth upon reentering the community from incarceration. The resolution acted as an extension of his work within the bipartisan Crime Prevention and Youth Development Caucus, which he co-founded along with Rep. David Reichert of Washington during the 113th Congress. During the 113th Congress, Rep. Cárdenas also founded the bipartisan Congressional Student-Athlete Protection Caucus along with Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, underscoring his dedication to fostering America’s youth through bicameral support.

A native of Pacoima, in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Rep. Cárdenas is proud to represent his community. The youngest of 11 brothers and sisters, his parents were first-generation Americans who worked hard to provide for their family. Tony would go on to attend UC Santa Barbara, receiving a degree in engineering before returning to the Valley to make his home.

Elected to public office in 1996, he was the first Latino to represent the Valley in California’s State Legislature. His parents proudly watched as their son raised his right hand and promised to represent his home.

Using his experience as a small businessman, Tony pursued reforms that made Los Angeles more business friendly. Cutting through red tape and working across the aisle, he helped create the largest number of jobs seen by the Valley in more than five years.

Following his time in Sacramento, Tony won election to the Los Angeles City Council where he served for ten years. He passed landmark legislation to prevent kids from joining gangs and funded Los Angeles’ first Animal Cruelty Task Force, protecting animals affected by violence and bringing their abusers to justice.

Rep. Tony Cárdenas made history when he became the first Latino elected to represent the San Fernando Valley in the United States Congress. He will continue his passionate commitment to the community in Washington.

After each weekly session of Congress, Tony returns home to the Valley, where he resides with his family which includes his wife, Norma, and their children. See more >>

Miscellaneous Links:

Ballotpedia

C-SPAN

GovTrack

Project VoteSmart

Campaign Links:

Website, campaign

Email, campaign: cardenasforcongress2012@gmail.com

X (Twitter), campaign

Instagram, campaign

Facebook, campaign

Open Secrets political finance profile

YouTube, campaign

Flickr, campaign

Social Networking:

LinkedIn

X (Twitter)

Facebook, official

X (Twitter), official

YouTube, official

Instagram, official

Flickr, official

TikTok, official

Official Links:

Website, official

Press Releases

Official press releases »

Education

University of California at Santa Barbara - BS, electrical engineering (1986)
San Fernando (Calif.) High School - Diploma

Office History

Congressional Offices:

U.S. House of Representatives (Jan. 3, 2013-) In Office

Member, 29th Congressional District of California

State Legislature Offices:

California Assembly (1996-2002)

D Assembly Member, District 39

Election Results

2021 (Nov. 3, 2020 election)

29th Congressional District of California

Antonio Cárdenas (Tony), 56.61%
Democrat

Angelica Maria Duenas, 43.39%
Democrat
2019 (Nov. 6, 2018 election)

29th Congressional District of California

Antonio Cárdenas (Tony), 80.61%
Democrat

Benito Benny Bernal (Benny), 19.39%
Republican
2017 (Nov. 8, 2016 election)

29th Congressional District of California

Antonio Cárdenas (Tony), 74.73%
Democrat

Richard Anthony Alarcon, 25.27%
Democrat
2015 (Nov. 4, 2014 election)

29th Congressional District of California

Antonio Cárdenas (Tony), 74.61%
Democrat

William O'Callaghan Leader, 25.39%
Republican
2013 (Nov. 6, 2012 election)

29th Congressional District of California

Antonio Cárdenas (Tony), 74.05%
Democrat

David R. Hernandez, 25.95%
Non-designated

Associated Organizations

Election campaign:

Own leadership PAC:

Victory by Investing Building and Empowering PAC

Board membership:

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Inc. (Dec. 2012-)
Member, Advisory Council

Awards

Humane Champion Award (Humane Society of the United States) (March 2024)
Spirit of Enterprise Award (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) (June 2020)
Distinguished Community Health Advocate Award (National Association of Community Health Centers Inc.) (2017)
50 Most Beautiful People (The Hill) (2014)

Official Signature

Contact Information

Email, member official contact form

Office Addresses:

Main Office:

Address:	2181 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0529
Phone:	202-225-6131
Fax:	202-225-0819

View Larger Map

» District Offices

Privately Financed Travel

1 trip taken in 2013 costing $19,292

See map of trips

Trip Destinations:

Trip Sponsors:

American Israel Education Foundation

» see more

Personal Financial Disclosures

Disclosures as a member:

Annual: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2016 (Amendment), 2015, 2014, 2014 (Amendment), 2013
Election Candidate: 2012
Extension Letter: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
» see more

Congressional Staff

Staff Turnover:

Turnover Index: 0.35
(House Average: 0.25)
» See more

Staff Salary Rate:

Office Median Annual Salary: $67,260.78
» See more

Staff Salaries Paid:

» See full staffer list

» view all salaries

Committees

House Energy and Commerce Committee

House Energy and Commerce Committee Communications and Technology Subcommittee

House Energy and Commerce Committee Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee

House Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee

Caucuses

Caught Our Eye

Rep. Tony Cardenas picks up health-care lobbyist

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Jan. 31, 2022
A K Street health-care lobbyist has moved back to the House. read more
Telecom lobbyist returns to the House as chief of staff

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Sept. 15, 2020
A telecom lobbyist has returned to Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.), now as his chief of staff. read more
Rep. Cardenas snags SEIU comms specialist

Posted by Keturah Hetrick on April 13, 2018
Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.) has added a senior union communications specialist to be his top spokesperson. read more
Republicans outpace Democrats in statements mourning Nunnelee

Posted by Jenna Ebersole on Feb. 11, 2015
In today's polarized Congress, partisanship can extend even beyond this life. read more

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