Ted W. Lieu, a renowned American attorney, politician, and retired military officer, was born on March 29, 1969. He has been diligently serving as the representative of California's 36th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023, having previously represented the 33rd congressional district from 2015 to 2023.
As the esteemed representative of the 36th congressional district, Lieu has been proudly serving the constituents of this vibrant region since 2023. The district, which comprises the South Bay and Westside areas of Los Angeles, boasts a unique blend of urban and coastal landscapes, featuring the iconic cities of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Beach Cities, as well as the picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula. With a commitment to public service spanning over seven years, Lieu has been a stalwart presence in the district since 2015, working tirelessly to address the diverse needs and concerns of the community.
Born in Taiwan, Taiwan-born Representative Ted Lieu's life is a shining exemplification of the quintessential American dream, a testament to the nation's enduring commitment to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive and achieve greatness.
At the tender age of three, Lieu made the bold decision to leave his native Taiwan behind, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead him to become a proud U.S. citizen, a remarkable achievement that would shape his future and inform his perspectives as a public servant.
As one of the 18 naturalized U.S. citizens currently serving in Congress, Lieu's personal story brings a unique and valuable perspective to the legislative body, allowing him to draw upon his own experiences as an immigrant to better understand and address the concerns and challenges faced by others who have followed in his footsteps, ultimately enriching the nation's discourse and policy-making processes.
Before embarking on his illustrious career in the United States Congress, Lieutenant (Lieutenant) Ted W. Lieu made significant contributions to the California state government. He served as a state senator, representing the 28th district, from 2011 to 2014, following the untimely passing of Senator Jenny Oropeza, whose seat he was elected to fill. Prior to his tenure in the state senate, Lieu held the position of state assemblyman, representing the 53rd district, from 2005 to 2010, after being elected to succeed the late Assemblyman Mike Gordon, whose vacancy he was chosen to fill.
Barry Lieu's illustrious career extends beyond his esteemed service in state government, as he has also forged a distinguished military career, marked by a decade of active duty with the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps, spanning from 1995 to 1999.
Following his active duty stint, Lieu went on to serve in the Air Force Reserve Command, a tenure that lasted an impressive twenty-one years, from 2000 to 2021. During this period, he demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance, rising through the ranks to attain the esteemed rank of colonel in 2015.
Lieu's exceptional leadership abilities were formally acknowledged by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who entrusted him with the esteemed position of assistant whip of the 115th Congress in the year 2017, a distinction that reflects his remarkable aptitude for guiding and directing others towards a common goal.
Moreover, Lieu has continued to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the Democratic Party and his remarkable capacity for collaborative work with his peers by serving as the vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus since the year 2023.
