Salud Carbajal

Salud O. Carbajal was born on November 18, 1964, in Moroleón, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. He immigrated with his family to the United States, settling in Oxnard, California, where his father worked as a farmworker. Oscillating between his Mexican roots and American upbringing, Carbajal's early life was shaped by the challenges faced by immigrant families, laying the groundwork for his future in public service.

Salud Carbajal was elected to represent California's 24th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016. He succeeded Lois Capps and took office on January 3, 2017. His election was marked by a strong focus on environmental policies and veterans' issues, areas of profound personal connection and political commitment. Carbajal defeated Republican candidate Justin Fareed in this fiercely contested race.

Salud Carbajal was officially sworn into office as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2017. Representing California’s 24th congressional district, he embarked on his first term with a focus on bipartisan solutions to issues such as healthcare access, veterans' affairs, and environmental challenges. Carbajal’s entry into Congress marked a significant milestone in his political career and for the district he serves.

On January 30, 2018, Salud Carbajal attended President Trump's State of the Union address, inviting a guest who symbolized his legislative focus. Carbajal's guest was a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, underscoring his advocacy for immigration reform and protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. The guest’s presence highlighted the personal impact of immigration policies debated in Congress.

On January 29, 2019, Salud Carbajal expressed support for the Green New Deal, a series of proposed economic stimulus programs intended to address climate change and economic inequality. Carbajal's backing of the initiative underscored his long-standing commitment to environmental conservation, aligning him with progressive lawmakers advocating for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the impacts of global warming and ensure a sustainable future.

On October 18, 2019, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act, sponsored by Salud Carbajal, was passed into law. This legislation was designed to integrate water and energy research to improve efficiency in the use of these resources. Carbajal championed the bill, emphasizing the critical intersection of energy and water management for sustaining environmental health and meeting future resource challenges.

Salud Carbajal was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 3, 2020, continuing to serve California's 24th congressional district. His campaign built on his legislative record, emphasizing healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection. This victory reinforced his role as a steadfast advocate for sustainable policies and constituency-focused governance during a turbulent period in American politics.

In the aftermath of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Salud Carbajal strongly condemned the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by insurgents. As a member of Congress, he expressed his deep concern for the sanctity of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Carbajal advocated for the peaceful transfer of power and the importance of upholding democratic values, reflecting the gravity of the political crisis.

On November 8, 2022, Salud Carbajal was once again reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 24th congressional district. His continued legislative focus remained steadfast on crucial issues such as environmental policy, public health, and national security. The election results reflected the trust placed in him by constituents to advocate for pressing local and national concerns in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

On January 6, 2023, Salud Carbajal introduced the California Clean Coast Act, aiming to ban future offshore oil and gas leasing off the California Coast. Motivated by the need to protect coastal ecosystems and economies, his legislative initiative sought to preserve the state's natural beauty and bolster environmental resilience against the threats posed by fossil fuel exploitation. The act reiterated his commitment to environmental stewardship.