Meet the new members: A Californian returns to Capitol Hill

The new member: Rep.-elect Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.)

How they got here: Cisneros reclaimed a seat in the House after defeating Republican Daniel Martinez, 57 percent to 43 percent.

Inside the campaign: Cisneros switched districts upon the retirement of longtime 88-year-old Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.). He emerged first in a crowded all-party primary with 23.6 percent of the vote.

He previously won a swing California House seat in 2018, but lost reelection to Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.).

The issues he’ll focus on: The former congressman said he’ll focus on “gun safety reform, educational opportunities, climate action, and women's rights” upon his return to Congress.

He vowed to fight to reduce the cost of living, promote additional housing construction in California and expand access to mental health resources.

Background: Cisneros got his start in electoral politics after becoming a philanthropist following a 2010 Mega Millions jackpot win worth $266 million. He prevailed in the 2018 Democratic wave, besting Young Kim by a narrow margin. He lost a 2020 rematch to Kim, in which she won the House seat she still holds to this day. 

President Joe Biden then tapped Cisneros to be undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, a post he held from 2021 until 2023, when he stepped aside to mount another bid for Congress.

Campaign ad that caught our eye: Cisneros highlighted his lottery win in an ad as motivation to help children attend college — and why he’s not accepting special interest money in his campaign.

Fun fact: Cisneros and his wife put $1 million of their lottery winnings toward helping George Washington University students.

We’re spotlighting new members during the transition. Want more? Meet Sen.-elect Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).