Baca, Joe, 1947-

Joseph Natalio Baca Sr. (born January 23, 1947) is an American businessman and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably represented California's 42nd and 43rd congressional districts from 1999 to 2013.

Born in Belen, New Mexioco and raised in Barstow, California, he sshined shoes and delivered newspapers as a child before working as a laborer for the Santa Fe Railroad. Between 1966 and 1968, he served in the United States Army. Following military service, Baca attended Barstow Community College and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. He worked for 15 years in community relations with General Telephone and Electric. In 1979, he was the first Latino elected to the board of trustees for the San Bernardino Valley College District. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1992, and to the State Senate in 1998.

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