Ken Calvert

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Ken Calvert

| image = Ken Calvert.jpg

| office = Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from California

| term_start = January 3, 1993

| term_end =

| predecessor = New constituency (redistricting)

| successor =

| constituency = 43rd district (1993–2003)
44th district (2003–2013)
42nd district (2013–2023)
41st district (2023–present)

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|6|8}}

| birth_place = Corona, California, U.S.

| party = Republican

| education = San Diego State University (BA)

| website = {{URL|https://calvert.house.gov/|House website}}

| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Rep. Ken Calvert on the Death of Former Rep. Jerry Lewis.ogg|title=Ken Calvert's voice|type=speech|description=Ken Calvert on the death of former California representative Jerry Lewis
Recorded July 22, 2021}}

}}

Kenneth Stanton Calvert (born June 8, 1953){{cite web |title=CALVERT, Ken 1953 – |url=https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/c000059 |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date=28 October 2024}} is an American businessman and politician serving as the U.S. representative for {{ushr|CA|41}}, and previously the 44th, 42nd, and 43rd, serving since 1993 as a member of the Republican Party. The district is part of the Inland Empire of Southern California. He chaired the Riverside County Republican Party form 1984 to 1988.

Early life, education, and business career

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

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.{{cite news |last1=Uken |first1=Cindy |title=Ken Calvert Featured at GOP Group Grand Opening |url=https://ukenreport.com/ken-calvert-featured-at-gop-group-grand-opening/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=Uken Report |date=3 September 2022}}

U.S. House of Representatives

=Elections=

== 1982 ==

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.

== 1992 ==

Calvert was first elected to the US 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.

== 1994 ==

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.{{cite news |title=1994: Ken Calvert and Mark Takano got personal |url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2012/05/22/1994-ken-calvert-and-mark-takano-got-personal/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=Press Enterprise |date=22 May 2012}}

== 1996 ==

In 1996, Calvert was reelected with 54% of the vote, defeating Democrat Guy Kimbrough.

== 1998 ==

In 1998 he defeated Democrat Mike Rayburn with 55% of the vote.

== 2000 ==

Calvert won again in 2000 with 74% of the vote, facing no major-party opposition.{{cite web |title=Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 7, 2000 |url=https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2000election.pdf |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=24 November 2024}}

== 2002 ==

Calvert was reelected in 2002, defeating college administrator Louis Vandenberg with 64% of the vote.

== 2004-2006 ==

He defeated Vandenberg again in 2004 with 61% of the vote, and in 2006 with 60% of the vote.California Secretary of State, [http://vote.ss.ca.gov/Returns/usrep/4400.htm 2006 general election results] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611145319/http://vote.ss.ca.gov/Returns/usrep/4400.htm |date=June 11, 2007 }}, U.S. Congress District 44. Retrieved November 14, 2006.

== 2008 ==

In 2008, Calvert defeated Democratic nominee Bill Hedrick by 25,582 to 15,952 votes.California Secretary of State, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080607011453/http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/usrep/4459.htm 2008 general election results], U.S. Congress District 44. Retrieved December 8, 2008. He declared victory immediately, but Hedrick waited three weeks before conceding, due to unusually high turnout prolonging the vote-counting process.{{cite news |first=Ben|last=Goad |date=November 28, 2008 |newspaper=The Press-Enterprise |url=http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_E_hedrick29.46b9548.html |title=Calvert challenger in 44th Congressional District concedes defeat |access-date=December 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204001255/http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_E_hedrick29.46b9548.html |archive-date=December 4, 2008}}

== 2010 ==

In 2010, Hedrick ran against Calvert again. While most pundits, such as Larry Sabato, expected him to lose again,{{cite web |title=California (44) House 2010 |date=August 9, 2010 |work=Sabato's Crystal Ball |publisher=University of Virginia Center for Politics |url=http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/california-44-house-2010/ |quote=Bill Hedrick faces an uphill battle to defeat Ken Calvert....}} 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.{{cite news |title=Fund-Raising in the Most Competitive Races |date=July 16, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/07/16/us/politics/campaign-fundraising.html |newspaper=The New York Times}} Calvert won by ten percentage points.{{cite news |first=Ben|last=Goad |date=November 3, 2010 |title=HOUSE: Region's congressional incumbents complete clean sweep |newspaper=The Press-Enterprise |location=Riverside |url=http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_cong03.2999541.html |access-date=November 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107191419/http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_cong03.2999541.html |archive-date=November 7, 2010 }}

== 2012 ==

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/top-10-republicans-most-vulnerable-to-redistricting-20110415|title=Top 10 Republicans Most Vulnerable to Redistricting|first1=David|last1=Wasserman|first2=Julia|last2=Edwards|date=April 15, 2011|work=Cook Political Report|publisher=National Journal|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-date=May 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501045824/http://nationaljournal.com/top-10-republicans-most-vulnerable-to-redistricting-20110415|url-status=dead}} Despite this, Calvert defeated opponent Michael Williamson with 61% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2012-general/sov-complete.pdf |title=Statement of Vote: November 6, 2012 General Election |access-date=October 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224021529/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2012-general/sov-complete.pdf |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |df=mdy }}

== 2014 ==

{{Main|2014 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 42}}

Calvert ran for a twelfth term and defeated Democratic candidate Tim Sheridan in the general election.

== 2016 ==

{{Main|2016 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 42}}

Calvert ran for a thirteenth term and defeated Democratic candidate Tim Sheridan for a second time in the general election.

== 2018 ==

{{Main|2018 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 42}}

Calvert ran for a fourteenth term and defeated Democratic candidate Julia Peacock in the general election.

== 2020 ==

{{Main|2020 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 42}}

Calvert ran for a fifteenth term and defeated Democratic candidate Liam O'Mara in the general election

== 2022 ==

{{Main|2022 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 41}}

Calvert sought reelection in California's 41st congressional district due to redistricting.{{cite news |last1=Coulter |first1=Tom |title=GOP Rep. Ken Calvert will seek re-election in new district that includes Palm Springs |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/12/27/ken-calvert-seeks-reelection-district-includes-palm-springs/9002554002/ |access-date=18 January 2022 |work=The Desert Sun |date=December 27, 2021}} He defeated Democrat Will Rollins in the general election, winning a sixteenth term in the U.S. House.{{cite news |last1=Reyes |first1=Jesus |title=Will Rollins concedes to Ken Calvert in 41st Congressional District race |url=https://kesq.com/news/your-vote/2022/11/21/will-rollins-concedes-to-ken-calvert-in-41st-congressional-district-race/ |access-date=30 November 2022 |work=KESQ |date=22 November 2022}}

== 2024 ==

{{Main|2024 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 41}}

Calvert won a seventeenth term in a rematch against former prosecutor and 2022 Democratic candidate Will Rollins.{{cite web |last1=Radin |first1=Danielle |title=All eyes turn to Rep. Ken Calvert and Will Rollins in highly-anticipated race for CA's 41st District |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/rep-ken-calvert-and-will-rollins-square-off-for-cas-41st-district-again/ |website=CBS News |date=March 6, 2024 |access-date=6 March 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Gardiner |first1=Dustin |title=California Republican Ken Calvert holds off Dem challenge in Palm Springs area |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/13/california-republican-ken-calvert-holds-off-dem-challenge-in-palm-springs-area-00187094 |access-date=18 November 2024 |publisher=Politico |date=November 13, 2024}}

=Tenure=

File:Ken Calvert, official photo portrait, 111th Congress.jpg

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2788/actions|title=Actions – H.R.2788 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act|first=Ken|last=Calvert|date=March 22, 2010|website=www.congress.gov}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-resolution/377/actions|title=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.|first=Ken|last=Calvert|date=May 22, 2009|website=www.congress.gov}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-resolution/1219|title=H.Res.1219 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Expressing support for designation of September as National Child Awareness Month.|first=Ken|last=Calvert|date=July 19, 2010|website=www.congress.gov}}

Calvert is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.{{cite web|title=Members|url=https://republicanmainstreet.org/members/|publisher=Republican Mains Street Partnership|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123025/https://republicanmainstreet.org/members/|archive-date=August 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}

In December 2017, Calvert voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,{{cite web|last1=Almukhtar|first1=Sarah|title=How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/19/us/politics/tax-bill-house-live-vote.html?_r=1|website=The New York Times|access-date=3 January 2018|date=19 December 2017}} 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."{{cite web|title=Riverside Co. Reps At Odds Over Trump's Tax Plan|url=https://patch.com/california/temecula/riverside-co-reps-odds-over-trumps-tax-plan|website=Temecula, CA Patch|access-date=3 January 2018|date=19 December 2017}}

In 2025, Calvert worked with California Governor Gavin Newsom to secure wildfire aid for California after the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.{{cite news |last1=Kamisher |first1=Eliyahu |title=Newsom Leans on Veteran Republican to Push $40 Billion California Fire Aid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-27/newsom-s-la-wildfires-40b-aid-package-request-relies-on-ken-calvert |access-date=3 March 2025 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=February 27, 2025}}

=Committee assignments=

For the 118th Congress:{{cite web |title=Ken Calvert |newspaper=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://clerk.house.gov/members/C000059 |publisher=Clerk of the United States House of Representatives |access-date=1 May 2023}}

=Caucus memberships=

House Baltic Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|url=http://housebalticcaucus.webs.com/members|publisher=House Baltic Caucus|access-date=21 February 2018}}
Congressional Western Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|url=https://westerncaucus.house.gov/about/membership.htm|publisher=Congressional Western Caucus|access-date=27 June 2018}}
Rare Disease Caucus{{cite web|title=Rare Disease Congressional Caucus|author=|url=https://everylifefoundation.org/rare-advocates/rarecaucus/rarecaucus-members/|format=|publisher=Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases|date=|accessdate=21 November 2024}}
United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus{{cite web|title=Our Members|url=https://royce.house.gov/internationalconservation/members.html|publisher=U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus|access-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801155201/https://royce.house.gov/internationalconservation/members.html|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}

Political positions

= NASA =

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.{{USPL|109|155}}: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005

= Abortion =

Calvert supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade, saying it "shifts the power to set abortion policies to Congress and to the States".{{cite web |title=Rep. Calvert Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Ruling |url=https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-dobbs-v-jackson-women-s-health-organization-ruling |website=Congressman Ken Calvert |access-date=28 June 2022 |language=en |date=24 June 2022}}

= LGBTQ+ rights =

Calvert opposed gays serving in the military.{{Cite news|last=Shafer|first=Scott|date=2022-10-22|title=Republican Rep. Ken Calvert's district now includes queer friendly Palm Springs|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/10/12/1128519036/republican-rep-ken-calverts-district-now-includes-queer-friendly-palm-springs|access-date=2024-05-22}}

In 2009, he voted against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.{{Cite news|last=Lopez|first=German|date=2016-06-13|title=Here are the members of Congress who voted against protecting gay people from hate crimes|language=en-US|work=Vox|accessdate=May 22, 2024|url=https://www.vox.com/2016/6/12/11912076/orlando-florida-mass-shooting-gay-hate-crime-law}}

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.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3566600-these-are-the-47-house-republicans-who-voted-for-a-bill-protecting-marriage-equality/|title=These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality|work=The Hill|last=Schnell|first=Mychael|date=July 19, 2022|accessdate=July 25, 2022}}

= Military =

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."{{cite news |last1=O’Brien |first1=Connor |title='The military is being held hostage': Republicans hit GOP hard-liners over defense spending bill |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/15/gop-lawmakers-conservatives-defense-spending-bill-00116342 |access-date=27 September 2023 |work=POLITICO |date=15 September 2023 |language=en}}

= Attempt to overturn 2020 election =

In December 2020, Calvert signed onto the lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election.{{Cite web|last=McAllister|first=Toni|date=December 11, 2020|title=Rep. Ken Calvert Signed Brief That Backed Trump, Texas Lawsuit|url=https://patch.com/california/murrieta/rep-ken-calvert-signs-brief-backing-trump-texas-lawsuit|website=Murrieta, CA Patch}} 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.{{Cite news|last1=Yourish|first1=Karen|last2=Buchanan|first2=Larry|last3=Lu|first3=Denise|date=January 7, 2021|title=The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/07/us/elections/electoral-college-biden-objectors.html|access-date=2021-01-08|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web|first=Toni|last=McAllister|date=January 7, 2021|title=GOP Rep. Calvert Explains Why He Rejected AZ, PA Election Results|url=https://patch.com/california/lakeelsinore-wildomar/gop-rep-calvert-explains-why-he-rejected-az-pa-election-results|access-date=January 8, 2021|website=Lake Elsinore-Wildomar, CA Patch|language=en}} 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."

= Israel =

Calvert voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=2023-10-25 |title=House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/house-israel-vote.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2023-10-25 |title=Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023528 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}}

= E-Verify =

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. 2202.1996 Congressional Quarterly Almanac The immigration reforms were later wrapped into the FY1997 Omnibus Appropriations Act.{{USPL|104|208}}: Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 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.{{USBill|111|HR|19|pipe=H.R. 19: To require employers to conduct employment eligibility verification}}

= CALFED =

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.[http://www.calwater.ca.gov/calfed/about/index.html About CALFED] 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.{{USBill|108|HR|2828|pipe=H.R. 2828: Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act}}

Personal life

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.{{cite news|first=Jack|last=Robinson|title=Two years have brought Calvert crises, lessons|newspaper=The Press-Enterprise|date=November 3, 1994|page=B01}} 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.{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Gorman|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-04-27-mn-50942-story.html|title=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|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=April 27, 1994}}{{cite news | magazine=The Atlantic| date = October 2006 | title = Running for Their Lives | first = Juliet|last=Eilperin |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/10/running-for-their-lives/305227/}}

Calvert is an Episcopalian.{{cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/12/PF_2023.01.03_congress_LIST.pdf|title=Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress|publisher=Pew Research Center|date=January 3, 2023}}

References

External links

[https://calvert.house.gov/ Congressman Ken Calvert] official U.S. House website
[https://www.calvertforcongress.com/ Ken Calvert for Congress]
{{CongLinks | congbio=C000059 | votesmart=26777 | fec=H2CA37023 | congress=ken-calvert/C000059 }}
{{C-SPAN|26709}}

{{US House succession box

|state = California

|district = 43

|before = Ron Packard

|after = Joe Baca

|years = 1993–2003}}

{{US House succession box

|state = California

|district = 44

|before = Mary Bono

|after = Janice Hahn

|years = 2003–2013}}