Devin Nunes: COS Alumnus and Dedicated Congressman

When we were younger our parents would tell us we could be whatever we want to be when we grow up. Congressman and COS Alumni Devin Nunes is living proof of that.

Nunes was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley. He grew up in Tulare and even went to Tulare Union High School. He then started up his post-high school education here at COS.

“The Junior College Program is a great thing. If students want to continue their education and they want to stay close to home, or maybe cost is an issue, they should be able to do that, “ said Nunes.

Nunes went on to finish his college education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in agriculture. After college he was elected to the COS Board of Trustees. He said that his ultimate goal was to give every high school student the opportunity to start working on their college education their junior year in high school.

President George W. Bush appointed Nunes as California State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. In 2002, Nunes was chosen to represent Tulare in the House of Representatives.

“The thing I love most about my job is that there are so many opportunities to help people and express your ideas on behalf of your constituents. People can get in touch with their congressman with their issues,” said Nunes.

Currently Nunes represents almost 800,000 people in the 21st Congressional District, which includes all of Tulare County and parts of Fresno County. 

“I get to meet a lot of interesting people with my job, but I unfortunately have to spend a lot of time away from my wife and daughter,” said Nunes.

Nunes lives in Tulare with his wife Elizabeth and daughter Evelyn. He said one of the most interesting people he has met so far is General Odierno who helped complete a mission in Iraq. Nunes called him “fascinating,” and “A real modern-American Hero”.

Recently, Nunes wrote an article for The Wall Street Journal. It outlined California’s tax problem and suggested some reforms that can be made in order to help boost California’s economy. Nunes said that there has to be major structural changes made to the California government and that it’s growing too fast.

“It has gotten too easy for people to work for the government. Too many people rely on the government for work and it’s not sustainable long-term,” said Nunes.