Now in his second term in Congress, Dennis Cardoza has established a reputation as an effective, fiscally-responsible legislator who delivers results for the Central Valley. Cardoza represents Californias 18th Congressional District, which includes Merced County and portions of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, and Fresno Counties.

Cardoza's centrist philosophy is highlighted in his role as co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of 37 moderate to conservative House Democrats who are committed to balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility.

Since taking office in 2003, Cardoza has demonstrated a commitment to reaching across the partisan divide to find common ground between Democrats and Republicans. He has a strong record on national security, veterans issues, and defending Social Security. Cardoza has worked tirelessly to support legislation that helps Central Valley farmers and has secured millions in funding for vital infrastructure projects in the 18th district.

Cardoza serves on the House Committee on Resources and the House Committee on Agriculture, arguably the two most critical committees for the Central Valley. He also is a member of the Committee on International Relations and serves as Senior Whip on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

Cardoza, who has two adopted children, has been a strong voice on behalf of adoption and foster children. In April of 2005, he introduced the “Military Adoption Act”, which makes it easier for military service members to adopt children by allowing them to take paid leave. The bill was signed into law by President Bush in December 2005.

Prior to serving in Congress, Cardoza spent six years in the California State Assembly, where he chaired the powerful Rules Committee and helped forge the Moderate Democratic Caucus. A broad group of organizations honored Cardoza as Legislator of the Year for his efforts to cut taxes, help family farms, and promote education and childrens safety.

Cardozas interest in public service began in college when he interned on Capitol Hill during the summer of 1979. The first in his family to graduate from college, Cardoza went on to run a successful small business. His belief that government should do more to help small businesses and foster economic growth inspired him to serve a term on the Atwater City Council beginning in 1984.

In 1994, Cardoza was appointed to the Merced City Council. His council-related duties on the Merced County Regional Solid Waste Board, the Merced County Association of Governments, and the Atwater Redevelopment Agency provided invaluable experience on dealing with a wide range of important local and county issues.

Cardoza has been relentless in his efforts to establish a University of California campus in the Central Valley. UC Merced, once a dream of Valley educators, students, and parents opened its campus doors in the fall of 2005.

The congressman has never forgotten his agricultural roots. His grandparents emigrated from Portugal in the early 20th century to farm the rich Merced County soil. The Cardoza family raised dairy cattle and grew sweet potatoes, almonds, watermelons, wheat, oats, and alfalfa.

Cardoza resides near Atwater with his wife, Dr. Kathleen McLoughlin, and their three children, Joey, Brittany Mari, and Elaina.