Hilda L. Solis Hilda L. SolÃs (born October 20, 1957), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 32nd District of California (map). The 32nd Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles, unincorporated East Los Angeles, and the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, Monterey Park, Rosemead, South El Monte, and West Covina. SolÃs won election to the office when she defeated incumbent Democratic Congressman Matthew MartÃnez. MartÃnez, who had been Congressman for 18 years, lost by a 69
o 31argin. MartÃnez was deemed too conservative by many of his constituents, as he supported NAFTA, opposed gun control, and supported a ban on gay marriage. Solis was able to obtain the support of Miguel Contreras and labor unions, which mobilized a significant amount of volunteers to help Solis win. Without a Republican in the race, Solis beat challengers from the Libertarian, Green, and Peace and Freedom parties to win with 79f the popular vote in the general election. Solis was not without her own controversy, though, as her plan to lower the carpool restrictions on the El Monte Busway resulted in an uproar from bus riders and carpoolers that used the busway. The changes, which were implemented in January 2000, had not manifested themselves completely by the March 2000 election. Solis later voted in July to repeal portions of her own bill, effectively declaring it a failure.
Rep. Solis was born in Los Angeles, California, was educated at Cal Poly Pomona and the USC, and served in the White House Office of Hispanic Affairs, as an analyst with the Office of Management and Budget, and as a member of the California State Assembly and the California State Senate before entering the House.
