Mike Thompson began his career as a vineyard owner and Vietnam War veteran, grounding his public service in deep ties to California’s agricultural community. Elected to represent California’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998, Thompson has prioritized gun violence prevention, veterans’ affairs, and environmental sustainability. He authored the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, a landmark bill aimed at expanding background checks for firearm sales, and serves as chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Thompson’s pragmatic approach and focus on consensus-building enable him to advance policies that reflect the needs and values of his district.