Ami Bera

Ami Bera
Born	Amerish Babulal Bera 2 3, 1965
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Physician, politician
Known for	U.S. Representative for California's 6th congressional district
Education	University of California, Irvine (BS, MD)
Children	1
Website	[bera.house.gov Official site]

Amerish Babulal "Ami" Bera (born March 2, 1965) is an American physician and politician who has served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from California since January 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Bera represents California's 6th congressional district, which encompasses portions of Sacramento County. Before entering Congress, Bera had a career in medicine, serving as a physician and as the chief medical officer for Sacramento County. He is of Indian American heritage and has served as one of the few Indian Americans in the U.S. Congress. A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bera has focused on issues related to diplomacy, global health, and foreign policy during his congressional tenure. He first won election to Congress in 2012 by defeating incumbent Republican Dan Lungren, and has been reelected in subsequent cycles.

Early Life

Ami Bera was born Amerish Babulal Bera on March 2, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. His parents were immigrants from India, and Bera grew up in a family shaped by the experience of emigrating to the United States. His Indian American background became a notable aspect of his public identity, particularly as he rose to prominence in California politics and eventually in the U.S. Congress.

Bera was raised in Southern California, where he developed an early interest in science and medicine. His family's immigrant experience informed his perspectives on public service and community involvement. Growing up in the Los Angeles area during the 1970s and 1980s, Bera attended local public schools before pursuing higher education at the University of California, Irvine.

The Bera family's story reflected a broader pattern of Indian immigration to the United States during the mid-twentieth century, as professionals from South Asia sought educational and economic opportunities in America. Bera has spoken publicly about his parents' journey and how it influenced his own career path in medicine and public service.

Education

Bera attended the University of California, Irvine, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science degree and his Doctor of Medicine degree. His medical education at UC Irvine prepared him for a career in internal medicine and public health, fields in which he would work for more than two decades before entering electoral politics. The university's medical school provided Bera with training that he later applied in both clinical practice and public health administration in Sacramento County.

Career

Medical Career

Before entering politics, Bera built a career in medicine spanning more than two decades. He practiced as a physician specializing in internal medicine in the Sacramento area. In addition to his clinical work, Bera took on significant administrative roles in public health. He served as the chief medical officer for Sacramento County, a position in which he oversaw public health programs and medical services for the county's residents.

Bera also held academic positions, contributing to medical education. He was involved in teaching at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he helped train the next generation of physicians. His work in medical education complemented his clinical and public health responsibilities.

Beyond his professional medical career, Bera was active in community organizations. He served with the American Red Cross and was involved with the California State Board of Education, reflecting interests that extended beyond medicine into broader civic engagement.

2010 Congressional Campaign

Bera first ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, challenging Republican incumbent Dan Lungren in what was then California's 3rd congressional district. Running as a political outsider with a background in medicine rather than politics, Bera sought to position himself as a fresh alternative to the longtime incumbent.

During the 2010 campaign, Bera faced questions about his political experience and fundraising. Reports noted that he navigated the challenges of running as a first-time candidate in a competitive district. The race drew attention from political analysts, with CQ Roll Call shifting its assessment of the contest during the campaign cycle.

The San Francisco Chronicle covered Bera's candidacy, noting his profile as a physician entering the political arena. Despite a competitive effort, Bera ultimately lost to Lungren in the 2010 general election, in a cycle that saw significant Republican gains nationally.

2012 Congressional Campaign and Victory

Bera ran again against Dan Lungren in 2012, this time in a redrawn district following the 2010 census redistricting process. The new district lines created a more competitive environment for the race. Bera mounted a stronger campaign in his second attempt, drawing on the name recognition and organizational infrastructure he had built during the 2010 cycle.

In November 2012, Bera defeated Lungren, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Lungren's loss of his House seat, marking the end of the Republican's tenure in Congress. Bera's victory made him one of only a handful of Indian Americans to serve in the U.S. Congress, and his win drew attention both domestically and internationally.

Service in the U.S. House of Representatives

Bera took office on January 3, 2013, succeeding Dan Lungren as the representative for his district. He was assigned to committees relevant to his background and interests, including the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he has become a senior Democratic member over the course of his tenure.

Government Shutdown of 2013

During the federal government shutdown of October 2013, Bera gained attention for his decision to give up the pay he earned during the shutdown period. He announced that he would forgo his congressional salary for the duration of the closure, a gesture intended to demonstrate solidarity with federal workers who were furloughed without pay.

Legislative Votes and Positions

Bera established a voting record that reflected his position as a Democrat representing a competitive Sacramento-area district. Early in his tenure, he participated in key votes on issues including the federal budget and healthcare. Political observers characterized him as a moderate Democrat who sought to balance the interests of his diverse district.

The Sacramento Bee reported in 2014 that Bera worked to avoid being pigeonholed by ideological labels, instead emphasizing a pragmatic approach to policymaking. This positioning reflected the competitive nature of his district, which included both Democratic-leaning urban areas and more conservative suburban communities.

Reelection Campaigns

As a freshman incumbent in a competitive district, Bera was identified by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as a member of its Frontline program, which provides additional resources and support to vulnerable incumbents facing tough reelection battles.

In the 2014 election cycle, Bera faced a Republican challenger who began advertising early in the race. The Sacramento Bee reported on primary results showing Bera in a leading position in the 7th congressional district race.

Campaign Finance Controversy

Bera's campaigns were the subject of a campaign finance controversy involving his father, Babulal Bera. Reports emerged that the elder Bera had made illegal campaign contributions by using the names of others to funnel money to his son's congressional campaigns. The Philadelphia Inquirer and other outlets reported on the matter, which drew scrutiny from federal investigators. Babulal Bera was ultimately charged and convicted of federal campaign finance violations. Ami Bera stated that he was unaware of his father's actions, and he was not charged in connection with the case.

Foreign Affairs Committee Work

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bera has focused on issues of diplomacy, global health, and international engagement. He has risen to become a senior Democrat on the committee, a position from which he has weighed in on matters of foreign policy and military action.

In 2026, Bera issued a statement regarding U.S. military action in Venezuela, drawing on his role as a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and his position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to address the matter.

Bera has also been outspoken on trade policy. In February 2026, following a Supreme Court ruling striking down tariffs imposed by President Trump, Bera issued a statement praising the decision, citing what he described as the negative impact of the tariffs on the economy.

Community Project Funding

Bera has used his position in Congress to direct federal funding to projects in his district. In February 2026, he announced over $14 million in Community Project Funding to support 14 projects across California's 6th congressional district, covering a range of community needs in Sacramento County.

State of the Union and Relations with the Trump Administration

In February 2026, Bera announced that he would not attend President Trump's State of the Union address, stating that he did not wish to "legitimize" the president. He published an op-ed in MeidasTouch explaining his reasons for boycotting the address.

Continued Congressional Service

As of February 2026, Bera continues to represent California's 6th congressional district. Reports indicated that he plans to continue running for his seat, even as other members of the California congressional delegation, such as Representative Kevin Kiley, have adjusted their own electoral plans.

Bera has also engaged in local community events, including joining Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood and city council members to present a proclamation recognizing the National Day of Play in February 2026.

Personal Life

Bera has one child. He resides in the Sacramento area, within the district he represents in Congress. His background as a physician has informed his approach to policy, particularly on issues related to healthcare and public health. He continues to identify with his professional title, often being referred to as "Ami Bera, M.D." in official communications.

Bera's father, Babulal Bera, was convicted of federal campaign finance violations related to illegal contributions made to Ami Bera's congressional campaigns. The case drew significant media attention, though Ami Bera was not charged and stated he had no knowledge of his father's activities.

Bera's Indian American heritage has been a notable aspect of his public profile. As one of the few members of Congress of Indian descent, he has received coverage in both domestic and international media outlets focused on the Indian diaspora.

Recognition

Bera's election to Congress in 2012 was noted as a milestone for Indian American political representation in the United States. His victory over Dan Lungren attracted coverage from media outlets in both the United States and India, with the Hindustan Times among the international publications that reported on his political rise.

As a member of Congress, Bera has been recognized for his work on foreign affairs, healthcare policy, and community engagement. His inclusion in the DCCC's Frontline program during his early terms indicated that party leadership viewed his district as competitive and his continued service as strategically important.

Bera's decision to forgo his salary during the 2013 government shutdown received positive media coverage in his district, with local outlets highlighting the gesture.

His ongoing efforts to secure community project funding for his district have been documented by local media, including the announcement of over $14 million in funding for Sacramento County projects in 2026.