Candidate for
United States Representative; District 11; Democratic Party

Steve Filson was born in San Diego, California where his father was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island. As the son of an aviation officer, Steve grew up on military bases located across the United States and overseas. He witnessed the emerging force of the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana and the post-World War II rebuilding efforts in the Philippine Islands. Steve returned to San Diego to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at San Diego State University.

Upon graduation, Steve followed in his father's footsteps and became a pilot in the United States Navy. He served as a Navy pilot for eight years on active duty and twelve years in the Navy reserves. Over the course of his twenty year military career, Steve served aboard the USS Hancock and the USS Ranger and piloted three different carrier-based attack aircraft, the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-6 Intruder, and the A-7 Corsair II. Steve retired at the rank of Commander in 1994.

When Steve left active duty service in 1978, United Airlines hired him to fly the Boeing 727. Only three years later, however, United instituted massive personnel cutbacks and Steve was laid off. He took a job in telecommunications sales and simultaneously earned an MBA at St. Mary's College in Moraga. In 1983, Steve rejoined United Airlines and is now a Captain of the Boeing 777.

At United, Steve also served as a flight operations manager and walked a picket line with his fellow union members. His leadership and mediation skills helped over 1600 pilots to resolve their problems with contract administration and station operations.

As a Navy officer and personnel manager, Steve encountered and overcame a wide range of problems that continue to face the federal government and people working in the private sector. His firm commitment to fairness, government and corporate responsibility, and the needs of American families will inform every decision he makes in Congress.

Steve Filson and his wife Mary live in Danville. They have four children and one grandchild.