Takano, Mark, 1960-

Mark Allan Takano (born December 10, 1960) is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the United States Representative for California's 41st congressional district since 2013. Takano became the first openly gay person of Asian descent in Congress upon taking office.

Born in Riverside, California, he attended La Sierra High School there before earning an A.B. from Harvard University. After graduating, Takano taught British literature in public schools for twenty-three years. In 1990, he was elected to the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees, serving there until 2012. In 1992 and 1994, he unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 43rd congressional district.

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