On November 17, Claremont was presented with new representation in Congress: Norma Torres.
With the passage of Proposition 50 and the rearrangement of congressional districts across California, many communities have found themselves with new representatives in Congress. Claremont, being one of these districts, was drawn into Congresswoman Torres’ district after over 15 years of being represented by Congresswoman Judy Chu.
Representative Torres is a resident of Pomona and the only member of Congress born in Central America. Starting as a 911 dispatcher and then serving as a state senator, Torres is now serving her fifth term as a United States representative.
Torres has consistently expressed her passion for various issues throughout her congressional career, both within California and beyond. One such matter is expanding and supporting California’s Gold Line, a train system that stops in many cities and towns, including Claremont, Pomona, and La Verne. She is devoted to being responsible with Congressional spending and reducing young adult unemployment rates. In the past, Torres promoted initiatives that helped veterans achieve residential stability, such as an increase in funding to help end veteran homelessness in March 2018 and the Veterans Skilled Trades Transition Act in May 2025. The Act aims to lower barriers for veterans when they start nonmilitary jobs. On top of that, her Central American Women and Children Act has been implemented in Honduras, which is a compact signed by both the U.S. and Honduras to help confront gender-based violence. She also created the Youth Advisory Committee, an organization engaging local high school students to learn about legislative practices and various local industries, including government, education, and healthcare.
On her website, Congresswoman Torres issued a statement. “As a mother and grandmother, I care deeply about education and creating job opportunities for younger generations of Americans,” Torres said. “Throughout my career, I have pushed for investments in all levels of education and for expanding college affordability and access.”
Benjamin Harris, a freshman at Claremont High School, shared his thoughts on the change.
“I am very excited for Norma Torres to become our new congresswoman,” Harris said. “I think that she’ll do a lot of great things.”
Congresswoman Torres’s office did not respond to requests for a comment.
