Aguilar, Pete, 1979-

Peter Rey Aguilar (born June 19, 1979) is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative from California's 31st congressional district since 2015. Aguilar is the vice chair in the House Democratic Caucus and is the highest ranking Latino in Congress.

Born in Fontana, California and raised in San Bernadino, California, he graduated from Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, California before earning a B.S. from the University of Redlands. Aguilar worked as a businessman and executive in a community credit union before beginning his career in public service in 2001 when California Governor Gray Davis appointed him Deputy Director of the Inland Empire Regional Office of the governor, eventually becoming the Interim Director. In 2006, Aguilar became the youngest member of the Redlands City Council in the city's 126-year history; his fellow council members appointed him mayor in 2010 and again in 2012. As mayor, Aguilar was regarded for his professionalism, leadership during difficult financial times, balancing the city budget while building financial reserves, road improvements, government transparency, and fair treatment of municipal employees.

In 2012, after redistricting following the 2010 census had made California's 31st congressional district more favorable to the Democratic Party, Aguilar ran for the seat; placing third in the open primary, he did not advance to the general election. In 2014, Aguilar ran again, placing second in the open primary and defeating Republican Paul Chabot, winning the first of four terms. Aguilar's time in Congress has focused on immigration, job creation, trade practices, gun control, national security, LGBT issues, veteran affairs, drug prevention, student loan debt, and environmental protection. Aguilar has supported legislation to attract individuals in the cybersecurity field to join the military; prevent discrimination against LGBT people by government contractors; provide funding for homeless veterans; and provide funding for research into opioid addiction. He has introduced the Grace Period Alleviation (GPA) Act, which would give college graduates an optional grace period before beginning to repay certain types of loans.