Senator Jerry McNerney

Jerry McNerney is a Democratic state senator representing California's 5th District, which encompasses Alameda County's Tri-Valley area and all of San Joaquin County. He was elected to the State Senate in November 2024 at age 73, following a distinguished career in federal government and the private sector.

McNerney was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 18, 1951. He and his family moved to Northern California in 1990, settling in the Altamont area. He was inspired to enter public service by his son, who joined the military following 9/11.

Education

McNerney earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of New Mexico. His advanced technical background shaped his career trajectory and legislative focus.

Political Experience

U.S. House of Representatives

McNerney served 16 years in the U.S. Congress, representing his district from 2006 to 2023. During his tenure, he earned recognition as "Congress' science guy" and held significant committee positions, including:

• Veterans Affairs Committee
• Committee on Science, Space and Technology
• Committee on Energy and Commerce

He chaired the Artificial Intelligence Caucus, the Congressional Grid Innovation Caucus, and the WiFi Caucus. McNerney authored the AI in Government Act and championed a new veterans' health facility near French Camp to serve regional veterans.

California State Senate

In the State Senate, McNerney holds leadership roles including chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee and chair of the Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. He serves on multiple committees addressing energy, agriculture, privacy, and budget matters. He is co-chair of the California Legislative Delta Caucus and represents the State Senate on the Delta Protection Commission and Sierra Nevada Conservancy Governing Board.

Professional Background

Before entering politics, McNerney spent more than 20 years as an engineer and consultant in the clean energy industry. He was instrumental in developing cutting-edge wind turbine technology, much of which now operates in the Altamont Hills. Most recently, he served as a policy advisor at a San Francisco law firm, specializing in artificial intelligence.