Democrat · California's 31st District · 2026
Gil Cisneros
Cisneros worked in the Navy and later managed logistics for Frito-Lay before a lottery win changed his family's circumstances in 2010.
Biography
Gil Cisneros won the lottery in 2010 and put money into helping other people reach college.1 He and his wife, Jacki, established a foundation supporting scholarships and college access programs, and they have twin sons.2 Together, they founded George Washington University's Cisneros Institute in 2015, offering programs for high school students and undergraduate scholarships.1
Cisneros attended George Washington on a Navy ROTC scholarship and earned a political science degree.1 He served eleven years in the Navy, including work as a supply officer, and left as a lieutenant commander.2 His civilian career included managing shipping and manufacturing for Frito-Lay.2
He first served in Congress from 2019 to 2021, then became under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness from 2021 to 2023.2 He returned to the House in 2025 and serves on Armed Services and Small Business.2 His work with Navy reservists informs his push to simplify the rules governing their pay and benefits when called to active duty.2
In January 2026, he introduced the Duty Status Reform Act with Republican Jack Bergman, seeking fewer, clearer categories of military service.2 His published platform also supports a public health insurance option, reproductive healthcare access, a higher minimum wage and tax relief for working families.3
Record and controversies
Late stock trade reports
In September 2026, NOTUS reported that Cisneros had disclosed more than 50 stock trades days or weeks late.4 His House disclosure, digitally signed September 4, lists transactions made in July.5 His representatives acknowledged the reporter's request but provided no further substantive response at the time.4 Separately, in February 2026, Cisneros said a financial adviser made his investment decisions and that he did not see a conflict with his public service.4 A fine assessment, payment or concluded ethics ruling was not verified for this collection as of October 28, 2026.