Mike Thompson was first elected to Congress in 1998. Recognized as a strong representative for his constituents, Thompson has worked on solutions that create jobs, strengthen the middle class, protect our seniors and veterans, increase access to health care, and preserve our environment for future generations. Prior to serving in Congress, Thompson represented California's 2nd District in the California State Senate where he chaired the powerful Budget Committee.
Thompson is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he is the Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee as well as sits on the Health Subcommittee. Thompson is the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus, which consists of more than 150 U.S. Senators and House members. He is also a member and twice co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.
Thompson was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate. He served in combat with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant/platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was an instructor at the Army's Airborne School.
Thompson has been recognized for his leadership on job creation, health care and veterans issues. He has received awards for his legislative efforts from the National Association of Community Health Centers, the California State Council of Vietnam Veterans, the Wine Institute, and received the prestigious Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club for outstanding service to the environment.
Thompson is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, which is composed of moderate Democrats committed to fiscally responsible solutions to America's problems. He is recognized in Congress and throughout his district as someone who has built a solid reputation for bipartisan problem solving.
Thompson is a small vineyard owner and was the maintenance supervisor for the Beringer Winery. He has taught Public Administration and State Government at San Francisco State University and California State University, Chico.
He is married to Janet Thompson, a family nurse practitioner. They have two sons, a firefighter and a deputy sheriff, and three wonderful granddaughters.