Mark DeSaulnier

Mark DeSaulnier was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, and lives in Concord, California. DeSaulnier earned a high school diploma from Cranwell Preparatory School and a B.A. in history from the College of the Holy Cross in 1974. His career experience includes owning a business and working as a probation officer, a truck driver, a hotel services employee, and a politician.[1][2][3][4][5] He served on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and as the mayor of Concord.[6]

DeSaulnier served on the California Air Resources Board, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the California Toxic Substances Research and Teaching Program Advisory Committee.[5]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Mark DeSaulnier, a public servant with decades of experience advocating for the people of California’s 10th District. I’ve been honored to serve in Congress, the California State Senate, the California State Assembly, and at the local level, where I’ve focused on improving transportation, expanding access to health care and lowering drug prices, as well as reducing costs for working families. As a father and former small business owner, I understand the challenges our communities face, and I’ve always prioritized listening to and delivering for my constituents. Over the years, I’ve secured significant federal funding for local projects, fought for affordable housing, and worked to protect our environment.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m committed to strengthening the middle class by lowering costs including on housing, groceries, and health care. I’ve worked to bring down prescription drug prices, secure tax cuts for families, and create affordable child care options. I believe in equal pay for equal work and am fighting to ensure everyone receives a fair wage. My goal is to build an economy where no one is left behind.I believe every American should have access to affordable, quality health care. I’ve consistently supported efforts to protect Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, and expand mental health services. I’ve also fought to protect reproductive rights, voting to codify into law a woman’s right to choose and supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act.In Congress, I’ve secured over $46 million for local projects that improve transportation, reduce commute times, and support housing affordability. I’ve hosted over 215 town halls to stay connected with constituents and have helped over 12,000 residents resolve federal issues. I’m committed to continuing my work for the people of our district to ensure the government is accountable and works for everyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about improving transportation, expanding access to affordable health care, and addressing the climate crisis. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve secured billions for California to modernize transit, reduce traffic, and create green jobs. I’m committed to ensuring everyone has access to quality, affordable health care and to protecting reproductive rights. Tackling climate change with clean energy solutions and environmental protections is also a top priority for a sustainable future.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Books: “The Glory and The Dream” by William Manchester, “The Rebel” and “The Plague”by Albert Camus.

Movies: Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Dave, The Grapes of Wrath.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, accountability, and a commitment to public service are essential characteristics of an elected official. People in our communities deserve representatives who listen to them, deliver on promises, and maintain transparency in their work. I also believe in compassion, as understanding the struggles of everyday Americans is key to effective leadership.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe my dedication to public service, ability to listen to my constituents, and commitment to transparency and accountability are key qualities that have made me a successful officeholder. My extensive experience at various levels of government, from local to state and now federal, has given me a deep understanding of the challenges communities face. I approach every issue with empathy and a desire to find practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. I am also a former small business and I understand the issues facing our small businesses.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities include representing the interests of your constituents, advocating for policies that improve the quality of life, and holding government accountable to the people. It also means providing a voice for those who often go unheard and making sure that everyone—regardless of their background—has access to the resources they need to succeed.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of service, one where my work improved the quality of life for Bay Area residents and Californians at large. Whether it’s improving transportation infrastructure, securing funding for essential community projects, or protecting voting rights, I want to be remembered as someone who always put the people first and worked tirelessly for equity and fairness.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Selma to Montgomery marches. I was 9 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as Deputy Probation Officer at Boston Juvenile Court for four years during college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

“The Glory and The Dream” by William Manchester

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

This Land is Your Land

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Thirty-five years ago, I found out that my father, a World War II veteran who served his country proudly, took his own life with a firearm. This experience taught me that we need to do more to help people who may not seek help. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. That’s why I introduced the Suicide Prevention Assistance Act to integrate mental health screenings as an essential part of primary of primary care visits.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is unique because it is directly accountable to the people. Representatives are elected every two years, ensuring we remain closely in touch with the needs and concerns of our constituents. This structure fosters a deep connection between representatives and their districts, making the House a place where local issues are brought to the national stage.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, experience is important in all crafts. The training experience gives you makes for a better product, but it can hurt you if you become complacent or arrogant.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges we face is economic inequality. Too many families are struggling to make ends meet, while the cost of living continues to rise. Additionally, we must address climate change, which poses an existential threat to our planet and future generations. Finally, we must protect our democracy by ensuring voting rights for all Americans and safeguarding our electoral systems from threats, both foreign and domestic.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits removes good and bad Legislators. I would never have had term limits in the restaurant business because it would have eliminated my most valuable employees. Best antidote to bad legislature is an engaged and informed electorate.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Representative George Miller

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely. While it’s important to stay true to your values, policymaking often requires compromise to achieve meaningful results. In Congress, I’ve worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation that makes a real difference in people’s lives, like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address gun violence. Compromise ensures progress, and that’s what Americans deserve.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House should spend much more time on the oversight and effectiveness of the spending of taxpayers funds.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alex Padilla, United States Senator (CA)

Karen Bass, United States Representative (CA)

Jared Huffman, United States Representative (CA)

Barbara Lee, United States Representative (CA)

Doris Matsui, United States Representative (CA)

Eric Swalwell, United States Representative (CA)

Mike Thompson, United States Representative (CA)

George Miller, Former United States Rep. (CA)

Rosa DeLauro, United States Representative (CT)

Ayanna Pressley, United States Representative (MA)

California Democratic Party

Democratic Party of Contra Costa County

Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council

Contra Costa Labor Council

What committees interest you?

I currently serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee where I am the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). These committees allow me to work on issues that are central to the lives of my constituents—improving public transit, addressing traffic congestion, and ensuring access to quality education and mental health care. I was also appointed to serve on the House Ethics Committee where I work on a bi-partisan basis to promote accountability, transparency, and integrity in the U.S. House. This work is essential to increasing trust in government.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable for any government official. The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and there must be checks and balances to ensure that every decision made in government is in the best interest of the people. That’s why I’ve supported legislation that promotes transparency and ensures accountability at all levels of government. I am also proud to have served on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and honored to have been appointed to the House Committee on Ethics.

Mark DeSaulnier did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Mark DeSaulnier did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.