Anna Eshoo

Anna Eshoo
Name	Anna Eshoo
Caption	Official portrait, 2023
State	California
District	CA, 18, 18th (2013–present), CA, 14, 14th (1993–2013)
Term start	January 3, 1993
Predecessor	Tom Campbell (18th), Norman Mineta (14th)
Party	Democratic
Birth name	Anna Georges Eshoo
Birth date	13 December 1942
Birth place	New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma mater	Canada College, University of San Francisco
Spouse	Dave Johnson, 1979

Anna Eshoo is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 18th congressional district, a seat she has held since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented the 14th district from 1993 to 2013. Eshoo is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is known for her advocacy on health care, technology, and telecommunications policy.

Early life and education

Anna Georges Eshoo was born in New Britain, Connecticut, to an Assyrian father and an Armenian mother. Her family background deeply influenced her perspective on international human rights issues. She moved to California in the early 1960s, attending Canada College in Redwood City before earning a degree in history from the University of San Francisco. Her early career included work in local government and as a small business owner.

Early political career

Before her election to Congress, Eshoo was active in San Mateo County politics, serving on the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee. She was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1982, where she served for a decade. During this time, she focused on environmental protection, transportation, and health services, building a reputation as a pragmatic and effective local leader. Her work on the board positioned her for a successful run for federal office.

U.S. House of Representatives

Eshoo was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, succeeding retiring Representative Norman Mineta in the 14th district. She has been re-elected consistently from her Silicon Valley-based district, which was renumbered as the 18th district following the 2010 United States Census. A key member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, she also served as the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Health and chaired the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. She is a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus and the Congressional Internet Caucus.

Political positions and legislation

Eshoo is a prominent legislator on health care, technology, and innovation policy. She co-authored the 21st Century Cures Act, landmark legislation to accelerate medical research and drug development. She has been a leading advocate for net neutrality, introducing the Save the Internet Act. On health care, she supports the Affordable Care Act and has introduced legislation to lower prescription drug prices, including allowing Medicare to negotiate drug costs. She is a staunch supporter of environmental protection measures and renewable energy initiatives, opposing offshore oil drilling along the California coast. In foreign policy, she is a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly concerning Armenia and Artsakh.

Electoral history

Eshoo has won re-election by wide margins in her heavily Democratic district. In the 1992 election, she won with over 56% of the vote. Her most competitive race was in 2012 following redistricting, where she defeated fellow incumbent Representative Jackie Speier in the primary before winning the general election. She faced nominal Republican opposition in elections such as 2014, 2018, and 2020, typically securing over 70% of the vote.

Personal life

Eshoo is married to Dave Johnson, a retired teacher and school administrator. They have two children and reside in Atherton. She is a member of Episcopal Church. Her Assyrian and Armenian heritage remains a central part of her identity, informing her advocacy on international issues. In November 2023, she announced she would not seek re-election in 2024, concluding a congressional career spanning over three decades.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from California Category:California Democrats Category:1942 births Category:Living people