Salud Carbajal

Salud Ortiz Carbajal ( ; born November 18, 1964) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for California's 24th congressional district since 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party, and his district covers Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

Early life and education Carbajal was born in Moroleón, Mexico, in 1964 and immigrated to the United States, initially to Arizona,

Carbajal attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990, and Fielding Graduate University, where he earned a master's degree in organizational management.

Political career Carbajal served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for eight years, including during the Gulf War, although he did not leave the contiguous United States.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Carbajal was first elected to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in 2004, representing the first district as a Democrat. He was reelected in 2008 and 2012.

U.S. House of Representatives Elections 2016

In 2015, Carbajal announced his intention to run for the 24th district after incumbent Lois Capps announced her retirement. Carbajal was seen as one of the two Democratic front-runners in the open primary, alongside Santa Barbara mayor Helene Schneider, and was rivaled by Republican front-runners Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian and small businessman and former congressional aide Justin Fareed. The primary field consisted of four Democrats, three Republicans, and two independent candidates.

In the June 7 primary, Carbajal came in first, with 66,402 votes (31.9%). The runner-up was Fareed, who received 42,521 (20.5%).

In the November 8 general election, Carbajal received 53.4% of the vote to Fareed's 46.6%, a popular vote margin of about 21,000.

2018

Carbajal was reelected over Republican challenger Fareed with 58.6% of the vote.

2020

Carbajal was reelected to a third term over Republican challenger Andy Caldwell, a nonprofit executive, with 58.7% of the vote.

2022

Carbajal was reelected to a fourth term over Republican challenger Brad Allen with 60.6% of the vote.

2024

Carbajal was reelected to a fifth term over Republican challenger Thomas Cole with 62.7% of the vote.

Tenure As of October 2021, Carbajal had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.

Committee assignments For the 118th Congress: Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation (Ranking Member) Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

Caucus memberships Congressional Equality Caucus New Democrat Coalition House Baltic Caucus Congressional Hispanic Caucus Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Congressional Taiwan Caucus Climate Solutions Caucus Problem Solvers Caucus Congressional Solar Caucus Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment Rare Disease Caucus Congressional Tequila Caucus

Political positions Abortion Carbajal opposed the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling it a "betrayal to our Constitution [and] a betrayal of millions of women who count on its protections to retain control of their own body and choices."

Israel Carbajal voted to voice support for Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Transgender Issues While stating he was "vehemently opposed" to the provisions which banned gender-affirming care for transgender children in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Carbajal still voted yes to pass the bill.

Personal life Carbajal lives in Santa Barbara, California and is married to Gina, with whom he has two children.

Foreign awards

Ukraine Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2024) – Awarded by Ukrainian Parliament; presented by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

Electoral history