Congressman Dennis Cardoza has played a prominent role in representing the people of California's Central Valley.

Prior to being elected to Congress in 2002, Cardoza served three effective terms in the State Assembly, where he chaired the powerful Rules Committee and helped forge the Moderate Democratic Caucus. A broad group of organizations, including the California Sheriff's Association and the Small Business Roundtable, honored Cardoza as Legislator of the Year for his efforts to cut taxes, help family farms, and promote education and children's safety.

In his first term in Congress, Cardoza is having a noticeable impact on Capitol Hill and developing a reputation as an effective legislator who works well with both Republicans and fellow Democrats. He has taken bold steps to end the ominous death tax and support Valley farmers and UC Merced. In addition, he has launched widely praised legislation that would directly benefit the Valley, including a bill that enhances federal nutrition programs by providing greater access to fruits and vegetables grown by area farmers.

The Stockton Record observed this summer that Cardoza has "learned quickly how to work with the majority party – and be effective."

Cardoza's interest in public service began in college when he interned for Congressman Martin Frost, D-Texas, in the summer of 1979. The first college graduate from his family, Cardoza later focused on developing a successful small business. He is proud to say that he has signed both sides of a paycheck. His belief that government and business can and should work together as partners led him to run for, and win a seat on the Atwater City Council 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 was 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 is now slated to open its campus doors in 2005.

Cardoza 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. While serving as chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, Cardoza distinguished himself by helping urban legislative colleagues to understand the importance of the farming communities to the people of the entire state.

The 18th Congressional District that Cardoza represents includes Merced County and portions of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera and Fresno Counties. He 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 Science, which will provide unique opportunities for UC Merced.

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

Rep. Dennis Cardoza's Official Website

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250 million children between the ages of five and fourteen work in developing countries – at least 120 million on a full time basis. (Human Rights Watch)