Grace Napolitano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grace Napolitano
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Official portrait, 2011
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Esteban Edward Torres |
| Succeeded by | Gil Cisneros |
| Constituency | 34th district (1999–2003) 38th district (2003–2013) 32nd district (2013–2023) 31st district (2023–2025) |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 58th district |
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| In office December 7, 1992 – November 30, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Mays |
| Succeeded by | Tom Calderon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Graciela Flores
December 4, 1936 Brownsville, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 5 |
| Education | Cerritos College Texas Southmost College |
Graciela "Grace" Napolitano (born December 4, 1936) is an American politician. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Grace Napolitano represented parts of Los Angeles County in the United States House of Representatives. She served in this role from 1999 until January 3, 2025.
Before joining the U.S. House, she was a member of the California State Assembly. She also served on the Norwalk City Council. When she left Congress, Napolitano was the oldest person serving in the House of Representatives.
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Grace Napolitano's Early Life and Career
Grace Napolitano was born and grew up in Brownsville, Texas. After finishing high school, she married Federico "Fred" Musquiz. They moved to Norwalk, California, where they raised their five children. After Fred passed away in 1980, she married Frank Napolitano in 1982.
Starting in Local Government
Napolitano began her political journey on the Norwalk City Council. She won her first election in 1986 by a very small number of votes. Four years later, she was reelected by a much larger margin. In 1989, her fellow council members chose her to be the mayor.
As a council member, she focused on helping people in her community. She also worked on projects to improve the city. These projects aimed to create more jobs and a stronger economy for Norwalk.
Working in the California Assembly
Before becoming a politician, Napolitano worked for Ford Motor Company for 21 years. After retiring in 1992, she was elected to the California Assembly. In the Assembly, she became a leader in areas like international trade and protecting the environment. She also worked on transportation and immigration issues.
In 1996, she helped create a new committee in the California State Assembly. This committee focused on international trade, and she led it until 1998. During her six years in the Assembly, she also led the Women's Caucus. She was also the vice chair of the Latino Caucus.
Grace Napolitano in the U.S. House of Representatives
Grace Napolitano served in the United States House of Representatives for many years. She represented different areas of California. Her work in Congress covered important topics for her community and the country.
Becoming a Member of Congress
In 1998, Napolitano could no longer serve in the State Assembly due to term limits. She decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She won a close election in the Democratic primary. She then went on to win the general election.
In July 2023, Napolitano announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024. Her term in Congress ended on January 3, 2025.
Key Areas of Focus in Congress
Napolitano worked on several important committees in Congress. These committees deal with different issues that affect people's daily lives.
Water and Natural Resources
Napolitano was a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. She also led the Water and Power Subcommittee. She worked to protect water resources and ensure enough clean water for Southern California. She supported ideas like water recycling and managing groundwater.
She was proud of her efforts to help with California's water management plan. This plan helps protect the environment in the Bay-Delta region. She also supported using new technologies for water conservation.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Napolitano was also a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This committee oversees many things, including:
- America's aviation (air travel) system
- Roads and public transportation
- Train systems
- Waterways and international shipping
She used her experience from the California State Assembly to work on rail safety. She also helped reduce traffic in the San Gabriel Valley.
Mental Health Support
Napolitano is a strong supporter of mental health services. She learned that many young Latina adolescents faced mental health challenges. This led her to start a school-based mental health program in local schools.
She co-chaired the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. This group of lawmakers works to improve mental health care. She hosted meetings to discuss mental health needs for children and veterans. A main goal for her was to make sure mental health care is covered by health insurance just like physical health care.
Hispanic Community Advocacy
During the 109th Congress, Napolitano led the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This group works on issues important to the Hispanic community. These issues include education, immigration, health, and civil rights.
Committees and Groups She Joined
Grace Napolitano was a member of several important committees and groups in Congress:
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries (She was the top Democrat on this subcommittee)
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
- Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus
- Congressional Mental Health Caucus (Co-Chair)
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
Grace Napolitano's Personal Life
Grace Napolitano was married to Frank Napolitano from the early 1980s until he passed away in 2017. She had five children from her first marriage. In 2013, her daughter Yolanda Maria Louwers passed away.
In February 2016, Napolitano had a minor stroke. She recovered and returned to work a few months later.
See also
In Spanish: Grace Napolitano para niños
- List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
