Emanuel Pleitez, a 26-year-old former financial analyst from Los Angeles, has entered the running for the US Congressional race to replace Labor Secretary designate Hilda Solis. If elected, Pleitez will become the youngest serving member of Congress.

But don’t let his age fool you. Just four years out of Stanford University, the East LA native has already worked with the U.S. Treasury Department Agency Review Team for the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition, and more locally in the offices of  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa during his tenure on the Los Angeles City Council. He has also worked for Democratic heavyweights like US Senators Tom Daschle and Hillary Clinton, and was an organizer during Sen. John Kerry’s 2004 presidential run.

Pleitez is one of 12 candidates that have thrown their hats into the ring to fill the Congressional seat in a special election scheduled for May 19. Pleitez will face stiff competition from perceived front-runners Gil Cedillo, a state senator from the area, and Judy Chu, a Board of Equalization member.

Live in LA? takepart by getting involved with the Young Progressive Majority as they work to engage young voters in Southern California and across the nation.