Mark Takano has worked to improve the lives of Riverside County residents for over twenty years, both as an elected official and as a teacher at Rialto High School. In 2012, Mark became the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress, where he represents the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley and Perris. Mark currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and on the Education and the Workforce Committee. As former Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Mark authored the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or the Honoring our PACT Act, comprehensive toxic exposure legislation that addresses the full scope of issues affecting toxic-exposed veterans’ access to VA care and benefits. 

Born and raised in Riverside, Mark's commitment to public service began at an early age. His family roots in Riverside go back to his grandparents who, along with his parents, were removed from their respective homes and sent to Japanese American Internment camps during World War II. After the war, these two families settled in Riverside County to rebuild their lives.