U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar represents California’s 33rd Congressional District, which includes communities throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire.
First elected to Congress in 2014, Aguilar previously served as Mayor of Redlands and has built his career around public service and strengthening his local community. He serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps shape federal funding priorities.
His work in Congress reflects a focus on economic opportunity, affordable housing, education, health care, and supporting working families and communities throughout the Inland Empire.
Credit unions have a rich legacy within the Inland Empire. Public employees and employee groups for some of our largest employers have utilized the services of credit unions to start businesses and do everyday transactions.
I worked at a community credit union for eight years early in my career. During that time, I worked on outreach and ensured that people were connected to the services credit unions provide. I’ve seen firsthand the impact this has on Californians.
That’s why for over a decade, I’ve been proud to support initiatives that help credit unions serve their communities, like preserving the credit advantage. I’ll continue to fight in Congress for more opportunities for credit unions to serve their members.
Credit unions in Southern California do a lot of charitable work and invest in the success of the communities they serve. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions have the unique ability to use their tax-exempt status for good.
When I worked at Arrowhead Credit Union, our mission was “people helping people,” and I see that translated into the work they do today through their ArrowHeart Foundation. Through their foundation, Arrowhead Credit Union has awarded over $1 million in scholarships for students in the Inland Empire to help hardworking young people get ahead and pursue an education.
During wildfires that affect the region, I have seen credit unions step up for their members and offer assistance and support.
Affordability remains the number one issue facing people both in California and across the country. One specific challenge Americans face is the cost of housing.
Credit unions can help make a difference in housing affordability by working with cities, counties, and organizations to help with first-time homebuyer workshops, support down-payment assistance programs, and strengthen long-term financial inclusion efforts that help families build stability.
In addition to housing, credit unions have opportunities to partner with government and community organizations on small business development, especially when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs, often in underserved communities.
The story my mother tells is that when I was 9 years old, I saw the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the news. There were nearly 11 million gallons of oil that spilled into the coastal waters of Alaska. Although I was as young as 9, I wrote a letter to Exxon’s chief executive with a petition signed by my neighbors, classmates, and teachers.
At the time, I don’t think I realized that was my first involvement in politics, but it taught me to use my voice for the greater good. I’ve always deeply cared about representing and fighting for the people around me, especially in the places where I grew up. Places like the Inland Empire don’t always have a strong voice advocating for them when it comes to the issues that affect them, which is why I am so proud to be the person fighting for these hardworking families.
To me, public service is about giving a voice to those who don’t have a seat at the table to make sure that their interests are represented and their needs are met.
I am a huge Dodgers fan, and I have played in the Congressional Baseball Game every year since I’ve been in Congress, except during COVID.
One of my favorite memories from baseball was when, as a kid, I attended a Dodgers skills clinic and was brought up on stage to ask a question. I asked a few players what it was like to make an error in the field. They laughed and reenacted the “boos” of the crowd. My mom still has that photo.
