Panetta, Jimmy

Jimmy Panetta represents California's 19th Congressional District, which includes parts of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. First elected in 2016, he previously served as a deputy district attorney in Monterey and Alameda counties, where he specialized in prosecuting gang-related crime. A veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Panetta volunteered for active duty in 2007 and served as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star for his service. He is the son of former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and represents much of the same Central Coast region his father once served.

In Congress, Panetta holds influential assignments on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on the Budget. His legislative work frequently focuses on the economic drivers of his district, particularly specialty crop agriculture and organic farming. He has sponsored legislation such as the SEED Act and the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act of 2024, reflecting his priorities in agricultural research and housing affordability. Additionally, he has been active in environmental conservation, advocating for the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act.

Panetta also serves in leadership as a Chief Deputy Whip for the House Democratic Caucus. His policy focus extends to national security and veterans' issues, drawing on his military background to support initiatives for veterans' healthcare and housing. He has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform, particularly for farmworkers, and has worked on bipartisan efforts to streamline clean energy projects and improve local infrastructure.