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Ken Calvert

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Ken Calvert
Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from California
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 1993
Preceded byNew constituency (redistricting)
Constituency43rd district (1993–2003)
44th district (2003–2013)
42nd district (2013–2023)
41st district (2023–present)
Personal details
Born (1953-06-08) June 8, 1953 (age 71)
Corona, California, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationSan Diego State University (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
Ken Calvert's voice
Ken Calvert on the death of former California representative Jerry Lewis
Recorded July 22, 2021

Kenneth Stanton Calvert (born June 8, 1953)[1] is an American businessman and politician serving as the U.S. representative for California's 41st congressional district, and previously the 44th, 42nd, and 43rd, serving since 1993. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is part of the Inland Empire of Southern California.

Early life, education, and business career

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Calvert was born in Corona, California, to Marceline Hamblen and Ira D. Calvert Jr., and still lives in Corona. In 1970, shortly after high school, he joined the congressional campaign of former state Assemblyman Victor Veysey. Calvert worked in Veysey's Washington, D.C., office as an intern after a 1972 victory. He graduated from Corona High School in 1971.[1]

Calvert received an Associate of Arts degree from Chaffey Community College in 1973 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in 1975. After college, he became a small business owner in the restaurant and real estate industries.[2]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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In 1982, the 29-year-old Calvert ran for the United States House of Representatives to represent a newly drawn district. He narrowly lost the Republican primary to Riverside County Supervisor Al McCandless, who was the choice of the Republican establishment. McCandless won the general election. From 1984 to 1988, Calvert chaired the Riverside County Republican Party.[1]

Calvert was first elected to the House in a new district in 1992, while McCandless was reelected in a different district. Calvert won the general election with 47% of the vote, defeating Democrat Mark Takano by 519 votes. In 1994, he defeated Joe Khoury in the Republican primary, 51% to 49%. He was reelected in the 1994 general election with 55% of the vote, again defeating Takano.[3]

In 1996, Calvert was reelected with 54% of the vote, defeating Democrat Guy Kimbrough. In 1998 he defeated Democrat Mike Rayburn with 55% of the vote. Calvert won again in 2000 with 74% of the vote, facing no major-party opposition.[4] Calvert was reelected in 2002, defeating college administrator Louis Vandenberg with 64% of the vote. He defeated Vandenberg again in 2004 with 61% of the vote, and in 2006 with 60% of the vote.[5]

In 2008, Calvert defeated Democratic nominee Bill Hedrick by 25,582 to 15,952 votes.[6] He declared victory immediately, but Hedrick waited three weeks before conceding, due to unusually high turnout prolonging the vote-counting process.[7]

In 2010, Hedrick ran against Calvert again. While most pundits, such as Larry Sabato, expected him to lose again,[8] sources such as The New York Times ranked the race more competitive. The New York Times re-ranked this race from solid Republican to leaning Republican.[9] Calvert won by ten percentage points.[10]

The National Journal's Cook Political Report named Calvert one of the top 10 Republicans most vulnerable to redistricting in 2012, largely due to his district's rapidly growing Hispanic population.[11] Despite this, Calvert defeated opponent Michael Williamson with 61% of the vote.[12]

In 2022, Calvert sought reelection in California's 41st congressional district due to redistricting.[13] He defeated Democrat Will Rollins in the November 2022 general election.[14]

In 2024, Calvert won a rematch against former prosecutor and 2022 Democratic candidate Will Rollins.[15][16]

Tenure

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111th and 112th Congress

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On June 10, 2009, Calvert introduced H.R. 2788, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act. This Act designates a national memorial at March Field Air Museum in honor of current and former members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Calvert worked to assemble a bipartisan group of 48 cosponsors for this legislation. On March 19, 2010, H.R. 2788 unanimously passed the House of Representatives.[17] Calvert introduced H. Res. 377, a bill recognizing Armed Forces Day and the service of the members of the United States Armed Forces on April 29, 2009. This bill received 70 bipartisan cosponsorships and passed the House unanimously on May 14, 2009.[18]

On March 25, 2010, Calvert introduced H. Res. 1219 to support the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the country. He assembled 40 bipartisan cosponsors for this bill and on July 19, 2010, the bill passed the House with unanimous support.[19]

Calvert is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.[20]

In December 2017, Calvert voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,[21] calling it "the most pro-growth tax policy our country has seen in decades." He also said that it would provide "lower taxes, more jobs, and higher wages."[22]

Committee assignments

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For the 118th Congress:[23]

Caucus memberships

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Political positions

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NASA

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In the 109th Congress, Calvert chaired the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, which oversees NASA. As chair, he introduced and passed into law the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109–155), the first reauthorization bill of civilian space and aeronautics agency in five years. The reauthorization provided NASA with the direction and tools to implement President George W. Bush's vision for space exploration while stressing the importance of NASA's earth and space science and aeronautics work.[28]

Abortion

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Calvert supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade, saying it "shifts the power to set abortion policies to Congress and to the States".[29]

LGBTQ+ rights

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Calvert opposed gays serving in the military.[30]

In 2009, he voted against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.[31]

On July 19, 2022, Calvert and 46 other Republican U.S. representatives voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.[32]

Military

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In September 2023, Calvert criticized far-right Republicans for stalling annual Pentagon funding legislation. Calvert said "what's happening is the military is being held hostage to these procedural votes, so that can't happen."[33]

Attempt to overturn 2020 election

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In December 2020, Calvert signed onto the lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election.[34] The Supreme Court refused to hear the case on December 11.

In January 2021, Calvert voted with six other Republican representatives from California to reject the certification of Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes.[35][36] He questioned the results of the election, saying: "during difficult and divisive times in our nation I believe we must follow the Constitution. That's why today I lent my voice to the millions of Americans and my constituents who are deeply concerned by the integrity of the election ... I remain especially troubled by constitutionally questionable changes of voting rules in some states by authorities other than state legislatures."[36]

Israel

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Calvert voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[37][38]

E-Verify

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Calvert is the original author of the E-Verify law, the only employment verification program available to employers to check the work authorization status of newly hired employees. In 1995, he introduced H.R. 502, which was later included in the immigration reform bill, H.R. 2202.[39] The immigration reforms were later wrapped into the FY1997 Omnibus Appropriations Act.[40] The original program, known as the Basic Pilot Program, was only available to five states and employers used a call-in system. In the 12 years since its implementation, the Basic Pilot Program, now known as E-Verify, has expanded nationwide and is used by over 100,000 employers. Arizona and Mississippi have made use of E-Verify mandatory. In the 111th Congress Calvert again introduced legislation to make use of E-Verify mandatory.[41]

CALFED

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As Chairman of the Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power, Calvert introduced H.R. 2828, The Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act, which reauthorizes the CALFED Bay-Delta program. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program is a unique collaboration among 25 state and federal agencies that came together with a mission to improve California's water supply and the ecological health of the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.[42] H.R. 2828 provides a long-term federal authorization for the western region for water supply and reliability. The bill became Public Law 108-361.[43]

Personal life

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In 1993, two Corona, California, police officers found Calvert with a prostitute in his car. He told the police that he and the woman were "just talking". The Press-Enterprise later went to court to force the Corona police to release the police report.[44] After the report was released, Calvert admitted to having sex with the woman in his car; the police did not have enough evidence to arrest him, as there was no witness to any exchange of money.[45][46]

Calvert is an Episcopalian.[47]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "CALVERT, Ken 1953 –". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  2. ^ Uken, Cindy (September 3, 2022). "Ken Calvert Featured at GOP Group Grand Opening". Uken Report. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  3. ^ "1994: Ken Calvert and Mark Takano got personal". Press Enterprise. May 22, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  4. ^ "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 7, 2000" (PDF). U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  5. ^ California Secretary of State, 2006 general election results Archived June 11, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, U.S. Congress District 44. Retrieved November 14, 2006.
  6. ^ California Secretary of State, 2008 general election results, U.S. Congress District 44. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  7. ^ Goad, Ben (November 28, 2008). "Calvert challenger in 44th Congressional District concedes defeat". The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  8. ^ "California (44) House 2010". Sabato's Crystal Ball. University of Virginia Center for Politics. August 9, 2010. Bill Hedrick faces an uphill battle to defeat Ken Calvert....
  9. ^ "Fund-Raising in the Most Competitive Races". The New York Times. July 16, 2010.
  10. ^ Goad, Ben (November 3, 2010). "HOUSE: Region's congressional incumbents complete clean sweep". The Press-Enterprise. Riverside. Archived from the original on November 7, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  11. ^ Wasserman, David; Edwards, Julia (April 15, 2011). "Top 10 Republicans Most Vulnerable to Redistricting". Cook Political Report. National Journal. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  12. ^ "Statement of Vote: November 6, 2012 General Election" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 24, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  13. ^ Coulter, Tom (December 27, 2021). "GOP Rep. Ken Calvert will seek re-election in new district that includes Palm Springs". The Desert Sun. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  14. ^ Reyes, Jesus (November 22, 2022). "Will Rollins concedes to Ken Calvert in 41st Congressional District race". KESQ. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  15. ^ Radin, Danielle (March 6, 2024). "All eyes turn to Rep. Ken Calvert and Will Rollins in highly-anticipated race for CA's 41st District". CBS News. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  16. ^ Gardiner, Dustin (November 13, 2024). "California Republican Ken Calvert holds off Dem challenge in Palm Springs area". Politico. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  17. ^ Calvert, Ken (March 22, 2010). "Actions – H.R.2788 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act". www.congress.gov.
  18. ^ Calvert, Ken (May 22, 2009). "Actions – H.Res.377 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Recognizing Armed Forces Day and the exemplary service of the members of the United States Armed Forces". www.congress.gov.
  19. ^ Calvert, Ken (July 19, 2010). "H.Res.1219 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Expressing support for designation of September as National Child Awareness Month". www.congress.gov.
  20. ^ "Members". Republican Mains Street Partnership. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  21. ^ Almukhtar, Sarah (December 19, 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  22. ^ "Riverside Co. Reps At Odds Over Trump's Tax Plan". Temecula, CA Patch. December 19, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  23. ^ "Ken Calvert". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  24. ^ "Members". House Baltic Caucus. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  25. ^ "Members". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  26. ^ "Rare Disease Congressional Caucus". Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  27. ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  28. ^ Pub. L. 109–155 (text) (PDF): National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005
  29. ^ "Rep. Calvert Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Ruling". Congressman Ken Calvert. June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  30. ^ Shafer, Scott (October 22, 2022). "Republican Rep. Ken Calvert's district now includes queer friendly Palm Springs". NPR. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  31. ^ Lopez, German (June 13, 2016). "Here are the members of Congress who voted against protecting gay people from hate crimes". Vox. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  32. ^ Schnell, Mychael (July 19, 2022). "These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality". The Hill. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  33. ^ O’Brien, Connor (September 15, 2023). "'The military is being held hostage': Republicans hit GOP hard-liners over defense spending bill". POLITICO. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  34. ^ McAllister, Toni (December 11, 2020). "Rep. Ken Calvert Signed Brief That Backed Trump, Texas Lawsuit". Murrieta, CA Patch.
  35. ^ Yourish, Karen; Buchanan, Larry; Lu, Denise (January 7, 2021). "The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  36. ^ a b McAllister, Toni (January 7, 2021). "GOP Rep. Calvert Explains Why He Rejected AZ, PA Election Results". Lake Elsinore-Wildomar, CA Patch. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  37. ^ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  38. ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ 1996 Congressional Quarterly Almanac
  40. ^ Pub. L. 104–208 (text) (PDF): Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997
  41. ^ H.R. 19: To require employers to conduct employment eligibility verification
  42. ^ About CALFED
  43. ^ H.R. 2828: Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act
  44. ^ Robinson, Jack (November 3, 1994). "Two years have brought Calvert crises, lessons". The Press-Enterprise. p. B01.
  45. ^ Gorman, Tom (April 27, 1994). "Scandal Imperils Young Political Career : Politics: After months of denial, a Riverside congressman admits sexual relations with a known prostitute. 'I was feeling intensely lonely,' he says". Los Angeles Times.
  46. ^ Eilperin, Juliet (October 2006). "Running for Their Lives". The Atlantic.
  47. ^ "Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress" (PDF). Pew Research Center. January 3, 2023.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ken Calvert.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 43rd congressional district
1993–2003 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 44th congressional district
2003–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 42nd congressional district
2013–2023 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 41st congressional district
2023–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
12th 		Succeeded by
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