Jim Costa

James Manuel "Jim" Costa (born April 13, 1952) is the U.S. Representative for California's 16th congressional district, serving in Congress since his initial election in 2004. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district takes in large and predominantly Latino portions of Fresno.

Early life and education

Born in Fresno, Costa is a third-generation family farmer. His grandparents emigrated from Portugal's Azores Islands in the early 20th century. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School and graduated in the class of 1970. He then graduated in 1974 from Fresno State, where he got initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He worked as a special assistant to Congressman John Krebs from 1975 to 1976, and as administrative assistant to Assemblyman Richard Lehman from 1976 to 1978.

California Legislature

Costa represented part of Fresno in the state legislature for 24 years, serving in the California State Assembly from 1978 until 1994, and in the California State Senate from 1994 until 2002.