Congressman John Campbell is a fourth generation Californian, who has lived in Irvine for over 27 years. First elected to Congress in December of 2005, he brings with him to Washington a quarter century of experience in the business world and a record of accomplishment in both chambers of the California Legislature.
Campbell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California in Los Angeles and a Masters Degree in business taxation from the University of Southern California.
For nearly 25 years, Campbell worked in the automotive industry. He spent a majority of his career representing several automobile franchises, including Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Saturn, and Saab. Campbell is also a Certified Public Accountant who, prior to his automotive career, was a tax accountant with what is now Ernst & Young in Los Angeles.
Campbell was elected to the California Assembly in 2000 and the California Senate in 2004. While in the legislature he quickly earned a reputation as a leading voice for fiscal responsibility and worked to improve personal privacy protections. He also championed the clean up of the Upper Newport Bay, a cause he continues to work for in Congress.
Elected to Congress in a special election in December 2005, Campbell arrived prepared to tackle one of our nation’s most pressing issue, illegal immigration. Within days of being sworn in, he introduced and successfully passed an amendment to the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. The Campbell Amendment passed overwhelmingly and would penalize so called “sanctuary cities” by blocking federal funds from going to any locality that prohibits their law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal officials to enforce immigration laws.
A member of the House Budget Committee, Campbell has shown the same commitment to fiscal responsibility that he displayed in California. In his first year on the committee, he helped pass one of the most fiscally conservative budgets in decades. Additionally, when the House passed legislative proposals to reform the congressional earmark process and create the Legislative Line Item Veto, Campbell was an outspoken supporter and cosponsor of both measures.
Campbell serves on the House Committees on Financial Services, the Budget, and Veterans’ Affairs. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has said Campbell’s, “background as a CPA make him a natural fit for Financial Services and the Budget Committee.” Campbell plans to put his vast knowledge of the federal tax code and his experience on budget issues to work and help lead the effort to return responsible spending to Washington and reform the federal tax code.
Campbell’s role on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee allows him to serve the brave men and women who have fought for our country. Additionally, he is a member of the House Republican Study Committee, the most prominent and influential caucus of fiscal and social conservatives serving in the House of Representatives.
John continues a family tradition of public service and community involvement in California. His great-grandfather, Alex Campbell, was elected to the California State Assembly in 1860 as part of Abraham Lincoln’s Republican ticket. John serves on numerous community boards, and is a member of Irvine Presbyterian Church where he sings in the choir. John and his wife, Catherine, have been married for over 26 years and are the proud parents of two sons.
Congressman John Campbell represents California’s 48th Congressional District which encompasses Newport Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and parts of San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana.
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