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Mike Thompson (California politician)

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For other people named Mike Thompson, see Michael Thompson.

Mike Thompson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California
Assumed office
January 3, 1999
Preceded byFrank Riggs
Constituency1st district (1999–2013)
5th district (2013–2023)
4th district (2023–present)
Member of the California State Senate
from the 2nd district
In office
May 20, 1993 – November 30, 1998
Preceded byBarry Keene
Succeeded byWesley Chesbro
Member of the California State Senate
from the 4th district
In office
December 3, 1990 – May 20, 1993
Preceded byJim Nielsen
Succeeded byMaurice Johannessen
Personal details
Born
Charles Michael Thompson

(1951-01-24) January 24, 1951 (age 73)
St. Helena, California, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJan Thompson
Children2
Residence(s)St. Helena, California, U.S.
Washington, D.C., U.S.
EducationNapa Valley College
California State University, Chico (BA, MPA)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1967–1973[1]
Rank Staff Sergeant
Unit173rd Airborne Brigade
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsPurple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
Mike Thompson's voice
Mike Thompson speaks on H.R.4719, the America Gives More Act of 2014
Recorded July 17, 2014

Charles Michael Thompson (born January 24, 1951)[2] is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for California's 4th congressional district (known as the 1st congressional district until 2013, and the California's 5th congressional district until 2023) since 1999. The district, in the outer northern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, includes all of Napa County and parts of Contra Costa, Lake, Solano, Yolo and Sonoma counties. Thompson chairs the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.[3] He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early life, education and career[edit]

Thompson was born in St. Helena, California, the son of Beverly Ann (née Forni) and Charles Edward Thompson. His father was of English ancestry and his mother was of Italian and Swiss descent.[4] He was educated at California State University, Chico, served in Vietnam with the United States Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade,[5] was a vineyard owner and maintenance supervisor, taught Public Administration and State Government at San Francisco State University and California State University, Chico, and was a member of the California State Senate before entering the House.[2]

Early political career[edit]

Thompson served as an aide to Jackie Speier (then a state assemblywoman) before winning election to the California State Senate in 1990. He unseated 4th District incumbent Jim Nielsen after a controversy over Nielsen's primary residence;[6][7] Thompson's margin of victory was less than 1%.[8]

After the 1992 general election, State Senator Barry Keene of the neighboring 2nd District resigned. Thompson, whose hometown of St. Helena had shifted from the 4th District into the 2nd after reapportionment, ran in the 1993 special election for Keene's seat. He narrowly beat Republican businesswoman Margie Handley and was elected to a full term in 1994.[9]

National Democrats approached Thompson about running for Congress in 1996 against freshman Republican Frank Riggs.[citation needed] Thompson's state Senate district was virtually coextensive with the congressional district. Thompson declined, believing his Senate seniority would be more beneficial to his district than would his being a freshman U.S. congressman.[citation needed] But in 1998, Thompson was due to be termed out of the state Senate, and opted to run for Congress. Riggs did not seek reelection to his House seat and made an unsuccessful bid for the United States Senate.[10] Thompson was elected by almost a 30% margin[11] and has been reelected ever since without substantive opposition,[11] turning what was a swing district for most of the 1980s and '90s into a fairly safe Democratic seat.[citation needed]

For his first seven terms, Thompson represented a district stretching from the far northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area all the way to the North Coast. But after the 2010 census, his district was renumbered as the 5th and made somewhat more compact, losing most of its northern part to the 2nd District.[citation needed]

U.S. House of Representatives[edit]

Tenure[edit]

Thompson is a member of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition.[12] Nonetheless, as of October 2021 he had voted in line with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.[13] Thompson voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.[14]

Political positions[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Thompson is a Roman Catholic,[2] but is pro-choice. In May 2004, he and 47 other Catholic Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, D.C., to dissuade him from refusing to administer Holy Communion to Catholic members who voted in favor of pro-choice legislation.[15] In February 2006, Thompson was one of 55 Democratic U.S. representatives identifying as Catholic who signed a "Statement of Principles" that affirmed a commitment to their faith but acknowledged opposition to Catholic doctrine on some issues. They wrote that on those issues, such as abortion rights, they would follow their conscience instead of the church's teachings.[16] In response, the U.S. Catholic Bishops issued a "Statement on Responsibilities of Catholics in Public Life" that said, in part, "Catholic teaching calls all Catholics to work actively to restrain, restrict and bring to an end the destruction of unborn human life."[17]

Thompson opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling it "an assault on women."[18]

Cannabis[edit]

In 2015, Thompson proposed tougher penalties for marijuana growers who operate on trespassed land.[19] The United States Sentencing Commission adopted the tougher sentencing guidelines, which went into effect in November 2015, after a six-month congressional review. The guidelines were intended to increase public safety.[20]

Environmental issues[edit]

Thompson voted for President George W. Bush's Healthy Forests Initiative,[21] which some environmentalists saw as a favor to the timber industry.[22] He has disappointed some environmentalists with votes against limits to new commercial logging roads in Alaska's Tongass National Forest[23] and against limits to hunting bears over bait.[24][25] He was also one of only 30 Democrats to vote against an amendment to maintain roadless areas protected under the Roadless Rule.[26] Thompson received a B rating from the American Wilderness Coalition in 2003 and an A+ in 2004.[27]

The Sierra Club endorsed Thompson for reelection in 2010.[28]

Thompson has voted several times to weaken the Clean Water Act.[29][30]

In March 2012, Thompson and state Assemblyman Jared Huffman voiced their opposition to a piece of water legislation that the House would be voting on, which Thompson argued would "kill local jobs, ignore 20 years of established science and overturn a century of California water law."[31]

Foreign policy[edit]

In late 2002, Thompson joined Representatives Jim McDermott and David Bonior on a fact-finding trip to Iraq. During the trip, they spoke to officials in Baghdad and residents of Basra. They expressed skepticism about the Bush administration's claims that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.[32]

On March 26, 2008, Muthanna Al-Hanooti, an official of a Michigan charity, was accused of underwriting three members of Congress to travel to Iraq on behalf of Iraqi intelligence officials. McDermott's office was already organizing the trip when the charity offered to pay the trip expenses. McDermott's spokesman claimed the charity was fully vetted by the U.S. government. He also stated that the representatives obtained a license from the State Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control for the group to travel to Iraq.[33]

Thompson has supported military intervention in certain foreign countries.[34]

Health care[edit]

Thompson has supported a public option for health insurance. In 2009, he wrote, "[b]y streamlining health care, reducing fraud and abuse, ending unnecessary testing, discouraging over-utilization, investing in smart reforms, and emphasizing preventive health care, we can significantly bring down the cost of health care."[35] In 2010, Thompson voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[36]

Committee assignments[edit]

photo of Congressman Mike Thompson in 2010
Mike Thompson in 2010

For the 118th Congress:[37]

Caucus memberships[edit]

Electoral history[edit]

Electoral history of Mike Thompson
Year Office Party Primary General Result Swing Ref.
Total % P. Total % P.
1990 State Senate Democratic 52,161 56.16% 1st 125,573 47.67% 1st Won Gain [43]
1993 Democratic [data missing] 1st [data missing] 1st Won Hold [a]
1994 Democratic 80,070 100.0% 1st 162,610 60.41% 1st Won Hold [44]
1998 U.S. House Democratic 77,544 78.02% 1st 121,710 61.85% 1st Won Gain [45]
2000 Democratic 112,185 100.0% 1st 155,638 65.03% 1st Won Hold [46]
2002 Democratic 64,401 100.0% 1st 118,669 64.07% 1st Won Hold [47]
2004 Democratic 92,371 100.0% 1st 189,366 66.92% 1st Won Hold [48]
2006 Democratic 79,138 100.0% 1st 144,409 66.23% 1st Won Hold [49]
2008 Democratic 69,622 87.71% 1st 197,812 68.10% 1st Won Hold [50]
2010 Democratic 74,695 100.0% 1st 147,307 62.79% 1st Won Hold [51]
2012 Democratic 95,748 72.20% 1st 202,872 74.47% 1st Won Hold [52]
2014 Democratic 88,709 80.44% 1st 129,613 75.73% 1st Won Hold [53]
2016 Democratic 124,634 65.70% 1st 224,526 76.87% 1st Won Hold [54]
2018 Democratic 121,428 79.33% 1st 205,860 78.87% 1st Won Hold [55]
2020 Democratic 146,980 67.54% 1st 271,233 76.09% 1st Won Hold [56]
2022 Democratic 115,041 66.23% 1st 176,900 67.80% 1st Won Hold [57]
2024 Democratic 120,736 62.52% 1st TBD [58]
Source: Secretary of State of California | Statewide Election Results

Personal life[edit]

Thompson is married to Janet Thompson. They met at a party in Yountville, California. They reside in St. Helena and also maintain a home in Washington, D.C.[59]

The Thompsons are avid home cooks and cook for fundraisers to benefit local nonprofits, such as for renovations to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, and Thompson's campaigns. Local Napa Valley wineries often sponsor Thompson's campaigns with lunches, dinners, wine tastings and tours. Thompson is also a longtime volunteer for the Napa Valley wine auction fundraiser.[59]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Special election.
  1. ^ Staff (2011). "Once a Soldier... Always a Soldier" (PDF). Legislative Agenda. Association of the United States Army. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 21, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "Representative Michael C. 'Mike' Thompson (CA)". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  3. ^ "Sweeping new gun laws proposed by influential liberal think tank". The Washington Post. January 12, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  4. ^ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Ebattle/reps/thompsonm.htm [user-generated source]
  5. ^ "Thompson Honored for His Dedication to Veterans". Office of Congressman Mike Thompson. April 3, 2008. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  6. ^ "Is Nielsen fudging again?". Chico News & Review. April 17, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  7. ^ "Semi-super Tuesday". Chico News & Review. May 29, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  8. ^ "Statement of Vote - General Election November 6, 1990" (PDF). California Secretary of State. October 9, 1990. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 30, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008. Under "Fourth Senatorial District" on 40th page of this PDF file.
  9. ^ "Statement of Vote - November 8, 1994 General Election" (PDF). California Secretary of State. December 16, 1994. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 30, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008. Under "2nd State Senate District" on 69th page of this PDF file.
  10. ^ Ken Rudin (November 2, 1998). "Political Junkie". Washingtonpost.com. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  11. ^ a b "California's 1st Congressional District". Ballotpedia. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  12. ^ "Members". Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  13. ^ Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr and Aaron (October 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  14. ^ Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  15. ^ "Legislators protest communion recommendation". CNN.com. May 21, 2004. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  16. ^ "House Democrats Release Historic Catholic Statement of Principles". Office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. February 28, 2006. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  17. ^ Cardinal William H. Keeler, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio (March 10, 2006). "Statement on Responsibilities of Catholics in Public Life". United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved December 16, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Thompson, Mike (June 24, 2022). "Today's SCOTUS decision is an assault on women, plain and simple. This will allow states to criminalize abortion & take freedom away from women to make their own health care decisions. I'm committed to protecting this right for all & will keep fighting to make it a reality". Twitter. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  19. ^ "Benicia Herald -- Thompson backs tougher penalties for illegal marijuana grow operations". Representative Mike Thompson. April 16, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  20. ^ "Harsher penalties sought for illegal pot farmers". Santa Rosa Press Democrat. July 21, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  21. ^ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 656". U.S. House of Representatives. November 21, 2003. Retrieved December 11, 2008. The vote on H.R. 1904.
  22. ^ "Transition talk: Interior motives". The Westerner. December 9, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  23. ^ "Tongass Protections". League of Conservation Voters. June 16, 2004. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  24. ^ "Bear Baiting Amendment Defeated On House Floor". Steelheader.net. July 18, 2003. Retrieved December 19, 2008. The vote (Roll Call 382) was on an amendment to a Department of the Interior funding bill (H.AMDT.263 to H.R.2691) to prohibit any funding to administer any action related to the baiting of bears except to prevent or prohibit such activity. To display the THOMAS (Library of Congress) links, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/108search.html Archived January 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine and search for the word "baiting". In the next screen, search for "2691". (2003-07-17). Retrieved on 2008-12-22. "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 382". U.S. House of Representatives. July 17, 2003. Retrieved December 19, 2008.
  25. ^ "Anti-Bear Hunting Bill Withdrawn from Resources Committee". Weekly News: Fishery News of the Great Lakes Basin. Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council. July 21, 2003. Retrieved December 17, 2008. Congress specifically and repeatedly has affirmed the states' rights to manage non-migratory wildlife, including on most federal lands except for National Parks. H.R. 1472 would have preempted these rights and removed science and professional wildlife management as a cornerstone of America's successful wildlife management program.
  26. ^ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 149". U.S. House of Representatives. May 17, 2006. Retrieved December 12, 2008. The vote on H.R. 4200.
  27. ^ "Wild Card: Wilderness Report Card 2004" (PDF). Durango, CO & Washington, DC: American Wilderness Coalition. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 12, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  28. ^ "2010 Endorsements". San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club. Archived from the original on February 27, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  29. ^ Gibbs, Bob (June 21, 2011). "H.R.872 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011". www.congress.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  30. ^ Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. (January 31, 2012). "Actions - H.R.2354 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012". www.congress.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  31. ^ "GUEST OPINION: House bill would turn back environmental law clock 20 years". The Press Democrat. Archived from the original on June 13, 2012.
  32. ^ Matt Apuzzo (AP) (March 26, 2008). "Prosecutors: Saddam Hussein's intelligence agency bankrolled McDermott's prewar trip to Iraq". HeraldNet. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  33. ^ David Postman (March 28, 2008). "The story behind McDermott's controversial Iraq trip". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
  34. ^ Cook, Paul (May 5, 2017). "Text - H.R.244 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017". www.congress.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  35. ^ Thompson, Mike (June 10, 2009). "Health Care Can't Wait". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  36. ^ "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act". govTrack. Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  37. ^ "Mike Thompson". Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "Members". Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2018.
  39. ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  40. ^ "Members". Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  41. ^ "90 Current Climate Solutions Caucus Members". Citizen´s Climate Lobby. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  42. ^ "Members". U.S. - Japan Caucus. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  43. ^ Primary election: General election:
  44. ^ Primary election: General election:
  45. ^ Primary election: General election:
  46. ^ Primary election: General election:
  47. ^ Primary election: General election:
  48. ^ Primary election: General election:
  49. ^ Primary election: General election:
  50. ^ Primary election: General election:
  51. ^ Primary election: General election:
  52. ^ Primary election: General election:
  53. ^ Primary election: General election:
  54. ^ Primary election: General election:
  55. ^ Primary election: General election:
  56. ^ Primary election: General election:
  57. ^ Primary election: General election:
  58. ^ Primary election:
  59. ^ a b Carson, L. Pierce (June 3, 2008). "Mike and Janet Thompson represent a culinary capital in DC and at home". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved November 20, 2020.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mike Thompson.
California Senate
Preceded by Member of the California Senate
from the 2nd district
1990–1998 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 1st congressional district
1999–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 5th congressional district
2013–2023 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 4th congressional district
2013–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
37th 		Succeeded by
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