Jay Obernolte
Republican Representative of California's 23rd district
Representative
California, district 8
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2023
Representative
California, district 23
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025
2
Congresses Served
2
House Terms
August 18, 1970 (54 years old)
Birthday
- Has been serving as a U.S. representative since 2021
- Previously served in the California State Assembly and as mayor of Big Bear Lake
- Owns and operates FarSight Studios, a video game developer
- Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Fresno, California
- Graduated as valedictorian from high school and holds degrees from the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as a Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University
- Launched his business in 1990, developing games for various platforms over the years
- Served on the Big Bear City Airport Board, Big Bear City Council, and other local boards and authorities before entering state politics
- Expressed concerns over telecommunications service quality and advocated for additional judges in rural counties
- Opposed the nomination of Xavier Becerra as California Attorney General and has been critical of state budget proposals
- Co-authored legislation related to bicycling safety and fire tax deadlines
- Opposed increases in the minimum wage
- Received an endorsement from President Donald Trump during his congressional campaign
- Voted against counting electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election and against impeaching Trump
- Introduced legislation focused on technological advancement and federal employment in software and data management
- Voted against the Equality Act and the American Rescue Plan Act but supported the repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
- Co-chairs a bipartisan taskforce on artificial intelligence
- Supports states’ rights to outlaw abortion but voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, supporting same-sex marriage
- Voted for antitrust measures against anti-competitive behavior and for directing the removal of U.S. troops from Syria
- Married with two sons, holds an airline transport pilot’s license, a fifth-degree black belt in martial arts, and volunteers with aviation and youth organizations