Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a U.S. Congressman representing California’s 19th district since 2017, has posted a series of statements on social media addressing concerns about partisan messaging by federal agencies and the ongoing government shutdown.
On October 3, 2025, Panetta criticized the President’s use of official channels for political communication, stating, “It is not just unpresidential, but also against the law to use federal agencies for blatantly partisan messaging. Partisan attacks like those the President is sending out on official agency websites could be a violation of the Hatch Act and should be immediately removed and”.
Later that day, Panetta appeared on national media to discuss legislative gridlock amid the shutdown. In his post he wrote, “I recently joined On Balance with @LelandVittert to discuss the government shutdown. Unfortunately, the Republicans, who control the House, Senate, and the White House, are refusing to negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government. Now more than ever, Congress needs to work”.
Addressing constituents in California’s 19th district during the shutdown period, Panetta reassured residents that his offices remain operational: “During the government shutdown, my offices remain open, and the phones remain on. Please see the link below to learn how to get in touch with me. We are here to serve the people of CA-19.”
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities while acting in their official capacity or using government resources for partisan purposes. The law aims to maintain a clear boundary between governance and electoral politics.
Jimmy Panetta was born in Washington D.C. in 1969 and currently resides in Carmel Valley. He earned his undergraduate degree from UC Davis in 1991 and his JD from Santa Clara University in 1996.
