Ted Lieu Then and Now

Ted Lieu Then

Ted Lieu, born in 1969 in Taipei, Taiwan, immigrated to the United States with his family when he was just three years old. 

They settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where Lieu spent his formative years. This early move to the U.S. marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to significant academic and professional achievements.

Lieu graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in 1987 and pursued higher education at Stanford University, where he studied both computer science and political science. 

His time at Stanford was marked by active involvement in the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, and he graduated in 1991 with both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). 

Afterward, Lieu attended Georgetown University Law Center, where his academic excellence shone through as editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Law Journal. 

He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1994, graduating magna cum laude, laying a strong foundation for his career in law and public service.

Ted Lieu Political Career

Ted Lieu’s political career began on March 5, 2002, when he was elected to the Torrance City Council, alongside Mike Mauno and Pat McIntyre. 

He served on the council until he was elected to the California State Assembly in 2005, succeeding Mike Gordon after his death. 

Lieu’s victory in a special election for the 53rd Assembly district saw him defeating three Republican candidates, marking the beginning of his significant influence in California politics.

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During his tenure in the Assembly, Lieu was re-elected twice, in 2006 and 2008. 

He took on various leadership roles, including chairing the Assembly Rules Committee and the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. 

His involvement in committees like Governmental Organizations, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs allowed him to contribute to a broad range of legislative priorities. 

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Notably, Lieu played a key role in addressing the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) English language controversy in 2008. 

Alongside state senator Leland Yee, he successfully challenged the LPGA’s policy that required players to speak English, resulting in its revision.

Lieu’s political ambitions grew, and in 2010, he sought the Democratic nomination for California Attorney General. 

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Although he did not win, finishing fourth, he continued to be a force in state politics. In 2011, Lieu won a special election to represent the 28th Senate district, filling the seat left vacant after Jenny Oropeza’s death. 

His political influence expanded further when, in 2014, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives to succeed Henry Waxman in California’s 33rd congressional district. 

He won the seat after placing second in the primary and defeating Republican Elan Carr in the general election.

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In Congress, Lieu’s legislative impact was notable. He secured funding for key projects like the West Los Angeles VA and passed laws supporting veterans and financial reporting. 

In his second term, Lieu introduced legislation such as the Climate Solutions Act, modeled after California’s progressive climate policies, and the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, which aimed to limit the president’s authority to launch a first-use nuclear strike without congressional approval.

Throughout his time in Congress, Lieu has championed numerous causes. 

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He introduced bills to reform the bail system and reduce funding for federal marijuana enforcement. 

As a staunch advocate for privacy and civil liberties, Lieu was praised for his efforts to prevent states from weakening encryption for law enforcement purposes. 

He has also been an outspoken critic of gun violence, using his platform to push for stronger gun safety laws.

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In addition to his domestic focus, Lieu has been active on foreign policy issues. 

He has condemned Holocaust distortion in Ukraine and Poland and opposed Azerbaijan’s actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

His commitment to international human rights and democracy has earned him a reputation as a vocal advocate for global justice.

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One of Lieu’s most prominent roles came in 2021 when he was named an impeachment manager for the second impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, showcasing his dedication to upholding constitutional principles. 

More recently, in 2024, Lieu supported military aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, aligning with his stance on maintaining U.S. support for international allies.

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Ted Lieu’s political career has been marked by his commitment to progressive values, civil rights, and responsible governance, both domestically and internationally. 

His dedication to his constituents and advocacy for broad legislative reforms have made him a respected leader in Congress.

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Ted Lieu’s Wife and Children

Ted Lieu and his wife, Betty Lieu, who is a former California deputy attorney general, live in Torrance, California, with their two sons, Brennan and Austin. 

Their family life reflects a balance between Lieu’s public service and personal commitments. 

Despite the demands of his political career, Lieu has maintained strong ties to his community and his family. 

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Lieu’s Catholic faith is another important aspect of his life, shaping his values and guiding his approach to leadership. 

Together, the Lieu family embodies a dedication to both public service and family life.

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Ted Lieu Now

Ted Lieu is currently 55 years old and serves as an American lawyer and politician representing California’s 36th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. 

He took office in 2023, following a successful political career that included representing the 33rd congressional district from 2015 to 2023. 

His extensive experience in Congress has allowed him to build a reputation as a dedicated public servant focused on progressive issues and civil rights.

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The 36th congressional district encompasses significant portions of Los Angeles, including the South Bay and Westside regions, as well as prominent areas like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the Beach Cities. 

This diverse district is home to a vibrant community with a mix of urban and suburban characteristics, which Lieu actively engages with to address the unique needs of his constituents. 

His work in Congress has continued to prioritize issues such as healthcare, environmental protection, and gun safety, reflecting the values and concerns of the residents he represents.

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As a member of the House of Representatives, Lieu remains committed to advocating for policies that align with the interests of his district. 

He has been involved in various legislative efforts, focusing on climate change, veterans’ affairs, and digital privacy. 

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Lieu’s position allows him to influence national policy while also being a strong voice for his constituents, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are represented at the federal level. 

His dedication to public service and advocacy for progressive values continue to shape his work as he navigates the challenges and responsibilities of his role in Congress.

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