Mark DeSaulnier

Mark DeSaulnier is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 10th congressional district. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, DeSaulnier earned a B.A. in history from the College of the Holy Cross in 1974 and later became a fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Before entering public service, he worked in various roles including as a probation officer, truck driver, and restaurateur in the San Francisco Bay Area. His political career began in the late 1980s with appointments to local commissions, leading to his election to the Concord City Council and serving as Mayor of Concord in 1993. After serving twelve years on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, DeSaulnier was elected to the California State Assembly (2006–2008) and subsequently the California State Senate (2008–2015). During his tenure in the state legislature, he focused on transportation and environmental issues. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2014, assuming office in January 2015. Originally a member of the Republican Party, he switched his affiliation to the Democratic Party in 2000. In Congress, DeSaulnier has been a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He has gained a reputation for his work on labor rights, public safety, and infrastructure projects, such as the Caldecott Tunnel's fourth bore. He currently represents California's 10th district, which covers most of Contra Costa County, following redistricting in 2023.

DeSaulnier's policy positions are rooted in progressive Democratic priorities. In healthcare, he is a staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), advocating for its expansion and the inclusion of comprehensive mental health services and prescription drug affordability. On the economy, he emphasizes worker protections, advocating for a livable wage, the right to organize, and preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future through initiatives like his 'Future of Work' policy recommendations. He also supports increasing taxes on companies with high CEO-to-worker pay ratios. Regarding the environment, DeSaulnier views climate change as an existential threat and supports rigorous emission standards and federal investment in clean energy and sustainable transportation. His immigration stance focuses on humane treatment, supporting asylum seekers and 'Dreamers' while opposing family separation policies. On public safety, he advocates for 'common-sense' gun control measures such as universal background checks and red flag laws. His foreign policy views prioritize national security and veteran welfare, including providing quality healthcare and transition programs for those returning from service.