Meet Juan
Juan Vargas has dedicated his life to service—guided by the values of hard work, family, and community.
Born on March 7, 1961, in National City, Juan was the third of ten children. His parents, Tomas and Celina Vargas, immigrated from Mexico through the Bracero Program and raised their children on a chicken ranch. From them, Juan learned the importance of perseverance, integrity, and giving back.
Juan pursued higher education with the same determination. He earned a scholarship to the University of San Diego, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science. He went on to receive a Master of Humanities from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School—where he studied alongside former President Barack Obama.
In his early years, Juan joined the Jesuit religious order, serving orphaned children and displaced families in El Salvador. His work focused on health, welfare, and social justice—principles that continue to guide him today. After leaving the Jesuits to start a family with his wife, Adrienne D’Ascoli, Juan returned to San Diego as an attorney before stepping into public service.
From Local Leadership to Congress
San Diego City Council (1993–2001): Championed public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and after-school programs like the 6-to-6 initiative.
California State Assembly (2000–2010): Authored laws to protect children, expand after-school programs, and strengthen public health.
California State Senate (2010–2012): Represented the U.S.–Mexico border region, focusing on services for working families, seniors, and underserved communities.
U.S. Congress (2012–Present): Today, Juan represents California’s 52nd District, serving San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and the border region. He sits on the Financial Services Committee and brings decades of experience to national policy.
As our Congressman, Juan fights for all of us—working families, veterans, immigrants, and every member of our community striving for a brighter future. He knows our neighborhoods, schools, and local challenges, and he brings decades of experience to deliver real results.
Juan has championed policies that:
Expand access to quality public education for every child
Grow our local economy and create good-paying jobs
Protect vital services for historically excluded communities
Preserve justice, equality, and opportunity for all residents
What Juan Fights For
Juan believes our community is strongest when we lift each other up. His priorities reflect a lifetime of service and the challenges our neighbors face every day.
Creating Good Jobs
From investing in clean energy and infrastructure to supporting small businesses, Juan is working to grow good-paying jobs and expand opportunities for working families.Protecting Healthcare & Veterans
Juan is committed to expanding affordable healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, and ensuring mental health care for all. He also fights to protect veterans’ benefits and honor their service with dignity and respect.Quality Education
As a lifelong advocate for students and families, Juan has worked to expand before- and after-school programs, keep classrooms safe, and ensure every child has access to excellent public education. He fights for fair funding, affordable college, and pathways that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.Comprehensive Immigration Reform
As the son of immigrants, Juan understands the power of the American dream. He advocates for pathways to citizenship, protections for Dreamers, and humane immigration policies that keep families together.Equality for All
Juan has spent his career fighting for justice and civil rights. He continues to push for policies that protect LGBTQIA+ communities, defend equality under the law, and ensure opportunity for every resident.Climate Action Now
Juan knows climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. He champions clean energy, environmental protections, and legislation that safeguards our coasts, air, and water for future generations.
Through every vote, bill, and community meeting, Juan’s focus is clear: we succeed when our community thrives together. He believes in transparent, accountable leadership and working hand-in-hand with constituents to solve problems, strengthen neighborhoods, and secure a brighter future for every family in the 52nd District.
Together, we can keep building a stronger, fairer San Diego.
