Mark Takano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Takano
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| Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Bost |
| Acting July 8, 2016 – January 3, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Corrine Brown |
| Succeeded by | Tim Walz |
| Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Phil Roe |
| Succeeded by | Mike Bost |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Jerry Lewis (Redistricting) |
| Constituency | 41st district (2013–2023) 39th district (2023–present) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mark Allan Takano
December 10, 1960 Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (before 1983) Democratic (1983–present) |
| Education | Harvard University (BA) University of California, Riverside (MFA) |
Mark Allan Takano (born December 10, 1960) is an American politician and former teacher. He has served in the United States House of Representatives since 2013. He represents California's 41st congressional district (2013-2023) and the 39th congressional district (since 2023). As a member of the Democratic Party, Takano made history when he became the first openly gay person of Asian descent to serve in Congress.
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Early Life and Education
Mark Takano was born in 1960 in Riverside, California. His family, who are Japanese Americans, were forced to move to a "War Relocation Camp" during World War II. He is a Sansei, which means his grandparents were born in Japan and later moved to the United States.
He went to La Sierra High School and was the top student in his graduating class. In high school, he was active in the Junior State of America, a group where students learn about debate and how to be involved in their community.
Takano later attended Harvard University, earning a degree in government in 1983. He also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside in 2010.
Before becoming a full-time politician, Takano taught British literature in public schools for 23 years. He was first a member of the Republican Party but later joined the Democratic Party in 1983. In 1990, he was elected to the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative
Mark Takano first ran for the United States House of Representatives in 1992 and again in 1994, but he did not win those elections.
In 2011, Takano announced he would run for the House in California's new 41st congressional district. In the June 2012 primary election, he came in second place. In the November general election, Takano won, defeating his opponent with 58% of the votes. This victory made him the first openly gay non-white member of the House of Representatives.
Committee Roles
In the 118th Congress, Mark Takano serves on important committees:
- Committee on Education and the Workforce: This committee deals with topics like schools, colleges, and job training.
- Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development
- Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs: This committee focuses on issues important to military veterans. Takano is currently the Ranking Member, meaning he is the top Democrat on this committee.
He also served as the Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from 2019 to 2023 when the Democrats had the majority in the House.
Group Memberships
Mark Takano is part of several groups in Congress called caucuses. These groups bring together members of Congress who share similar interests or goals. Some of the caucuses he belongs to include:
- Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus (he is a co-chair)
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
- Congressional Energy Storage Caucus (he is a co-chair)
Key Actions and Achievements
During his time in Congress, Mark Takano has been known for his detailed approach to legislative work. For example, in 2013, when a draft letter opposing an immigration reform bill was shared, Takano reviewed it like a teacher grading a school assignment, giving it an "F" and adding comments.
He has also been recognized for his leadership. For his work as the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, he received an "A" grade from a nonpartisan group that evaluates how well committees oversee government actions.
Political Views
Accountability for Leaders
Mark Takano has supported efforts to hold leaders accountable for their actions while in office.
Gun Safety
Takano supports efforts to pass laws that help control gun violence. After a shooting in San Bernardino in 2015, he spoke about the need for Congress to act to prevent such tragedies.
International Relations
In March 2024, Takano shared his concerns about actions taken by Israel during the Israel–Hamas war.
Presidential Elections
In the 2020 Democratic presidential primary election, Takano supported Bernie Sanders, saying Sanders had "a bold vision." After Sanders ended his campaign, Takano supported the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden.
In July 2024, Takano suggested that Joe Biden should withdraw from the 2024 United States presidential election.
Equal Rights for All
Mark Takano is a strong supporter of equal rights for all people, including transgender individuals. He has spoken out against bills that he believes would limit the rights of transgender people, such as H.R. 734, which was about sports.
See also
- List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
- List of LGBT members of the United States Congress
