Mike Honda

Date of Birth: June 27, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Michael Makoto “Mike” Honda is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for California’s 17th congressional district from 2001 to 2017. Honda was born in Walnut Grove, California, and his early life was marked by internment during World War II, as he and his family were forced to live in the Amache Internment Camp in Colorado. After the war, they returned to California, where Honda attended public schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Spanish from San José State University and later a master’s degree in Education. Honda began his career as a teacher and principal before entering politics, where he served on the San José Unified School Board and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Honda’s tenure in Congress was noted for his advocacy on education, civil rights, and technology. He was particularly active in promoting STEM education and was a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, where he worked to address issues impacting the Asian American community.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Honda

1. Mike Honda was interned with his family in the Amache Internment Camp in Colorado during World War II.

2. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador for two years, where he helped build schools and health facilities.

3. Honda was a principal co-sponsor of the Equity and Excellence in American Education Act, which aimed to close the achievement gap in education.

4. He was a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

5. Honda received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from the Japanese government for his contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.