Vargas, Juan, 1961-

Juan Carlos Vargas (born March 7, 1961) is an American businessman and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been the U.S. Representative for California's 51st congressional district since 2013.

Born in National City, California, he graduated magna cum laude with a BA from University of San Diego and earned an MA in Humanities from Fordham University in New York City. After college, Vargas joined the Jesuit Novitiate (introduction) in Santa Barbara. In the Jesuits, Vargas served in an orphanage in the civil-war-torn jungles of El Salvador. After leaving the Jesuits, he decided on law school and graduated in 1991 with a JD from Harvard Law School. After earning his JD, Vargas worked as an attorney in San Diego with the law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton and Scripps. In 1992, he decided to run for the newly created 50th congressional district, based in San Diego, placing fourth in the primary. Vargas was elected to the San Diego City Council in 1993. On the Council, he assumed a leadership role in planning, funding, and advocating for public safety, municipal infrastructure and schools. In 1996, Vargas unsuccessfully challenged Bob Filner in the Democratic primary for the 50th district seat.

In 2000, Vargas was elected to the California State Assembly. In his first year as a State Legislator, he was appointed Assistant Majority Leader. During his time there, Vargas authored AB 188, which was legislation that bans smoking in children's playgrounds. He also introduced legislation aimed at protecting children from arcade video games. Vargas also authored legislation to mandate life sentences for people who commit violent sex crimes against children, which served as a model for Chelsea's Law. In 2006, leaving the State Assembly due to term limits, Vargas decided to challenge Filner again, this time in California's 51st congressional district; Filner again defeated Vargas.

Following the end of his term the State Assembly in 2006, Vargas went on to serve as Vice President of External Affairs for Safeco Insurance and Vice President of Corporate Legal for Liberty Mutual Group. In 2010, he was elected to the California State Senate from the 40th California State Senate District. As a State Senator, Juan worked tirelessly to ensure public safety and protect services to the poor and elderly. In 2012, with Bob Filner retiring from the House to run for Mayor of San Diego, Vargas won the race to succeed him. Currently serving his fourth term in Congress, he serves on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.