Mark Takano — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as a U.S. Representative for California's 39th congressional district since 2023.
Served as a U.S. Representative for California's 41st congressional district from 2013 to 2023.
Became the first openly gay non-white member of the U.S. House of Representatives upon taking office in 2013.
Elected to the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees in 1990.
Taught British literature in public schools for 23 years.
Graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in government in 1983.
Earned an MFA in creative writing for the performing arts from the University of California, Riverside in 2010.

Biography

Mark Allan Takano is an American politician who has served in the United States House of Representatives since 2013. He currently represents California's 39th congressional district, having previously represented the 41st congressional district from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Takano became the first openly gay person of Asian descent in Congress upon taking office.

Born in Riverside, California, in 1960, Takano's family was interned during World War II.