Leon Panetta's Son Announces Run For Congress
MONTEREY (CBS SF) -- Jimmy Panetta announced his campaign Tuesday for Congress representing central coast communities, following the steps of his father.
Panetta, the son of former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Congressman Leon Panetta and Sylvia Panetta, is vying for the 20th Congressional District seat in the house currently held by Sam Farr, 74, who last week announced his retirement after his term ends in January 2017.
Farr served in the House for 22 years representing the 20th Congressional District that includes Monterey and San Benito counties and parts of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
Farr succeeded Leon Panetta, who was elected to the House in 1976.
Panetta's parents, in-laws and wife, Carrie McIntyre Panetta, joined him Tuesday when he made the announcement at Custom House, a historical landmark in Monterey.
Panetta, a Carmel Valley resident, attended public schools in the area and his two daughters, Siri and Gia, attend the same elementary school he went to.
He obtained his associate degree in arts at Monterey Peninsula College in 1989; bachelor's degree in international relations and affairs from the University of California at Davis in 1991; and law degree from Santa Clara University in 1996, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He was a deputy district attorney in Oakland for 13 years before returning to his hometown to work in Salinas at the Monterey District Attorney's Office.
He served as an intelligence officer with the U.S. Navy Reserve eight years, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007 to 2008.
Panetta received a Bronze Star for his work on a special forces task force.
As a volunteer he has worked in the community to help veterans, at-risk youth and colleges. He is also a member of the advisory council at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Panetta said his goals - if elected to office - include reaching comprehensive immigration reform, building a strong economy to create jobs, assisting working families, supporting clean energy and providing quality education.
He would also propose a National Service Act for students to engage with their communities outside of the classroom.
"I will bring new energy, new ideas, and do everything I can to renew the collaborative spirit that is necessary on Capitol Hill," Panetta said.
"If I'm given the opportunity to serve you I will fulfill the dream of my grandparents and parents to give back to the community and country and to give our children a brighter future," Panetta said.
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