Scott Peters

Scott Peters is the U.S. Representative for California's 50th congressional district, having served in the House since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected to represent California's 52nd district in 2012 before moving to the 50th district following redistricting in 2023. Peters holds a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Duke University and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law. Before entering politics, he worked as an economist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency and spent 15 years as an environmental lawyer in San Diego. Peters' political career began at the local level, where he served two terms on the San Diego City Council from 2000 to 2008, including a tenure as the city's first City Council President from 2006 to 2008. He also served as a commissioner and later chairman of the San Diego Unified Port District. During his time in local government, he was noted for his work on the $2 billion redevelopment of downtown San Diego and initiatives to clean up local beaches and bays. In Congress, Peters is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Budget Committee. He has held leadership roles within the New Democrat Coalition, serving as the chair of its Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force. His legislative work often focuses on veterans' affairs, clean energy deployment, and fiscal responsibility, such as his support for the 'No Budget, No Pay' Act. He is also a co-chair of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum and the House Special Operations Forces Caucus.

Representative Peters identifies as a moderate 'pro-trade' Democrat with a focus on bipartisan cooperation. On healthcare, he supports the protection of reproductive rights and access to Planned Parenthood, while advocating for lower prescription drug costs through legislative reform. His economic platform emphasizes the 'innovation economy,' supporting San Diego’s life sciences sector and international trade agreements like the USMCA. In fiscal policy, he advocates for a more efficient budget process and taking action on the national debt. Regarding the environment, Peters prioritizes the transition to clean energy and has been a vocal leader on climate action, though he has occasionally faced criticism from progressives for favoring pragmatic, market-based solutions over more expansive proposals like the Green New Deal. On immigration, he supports comprehensive reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for 'Dreamers,' modernization of border security through technology and infrastructure at ports of entry, and expanding high-skilled worker visa programs. His foreign policy and regional priorities include strengthening the U.S.-Mexico relationship and addressing cross-border environmental and security issues, such as sewage runoff and fentanyl trafficking.