The Honorable Dennis Cardoza

Dennis Cardoza is the founder and CEO of Cardoza Consulting Services. A former member of Congress and business entrepreneur, he advises government officials and business executives on legislative, regulatory, public policy, advocacy, and business strategy matters. His experience spans local government, state leadership, Congress, and private-sector consulting.

Government advocacy and business experience

Before founding Cardoza Consulting, Dennis served for twelve years as chairman of the Federal Government Solutions Group at Foley & Lardner. During that tenure, he helped advance legislation and secured billions of dollars in federal appropriations for clients. His clients included hospitals and associations, railroads, water districts, municipalities, housing developers, food processors, defense contractors, and FIFA 2026 World Cup U.S. host cities.

Congressional leadership

Dennis served five terms representing California’s 18th Congressional District. His committee assignments included Rules, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources, and Science; he chaired two Agriculture subcommittees. He served on the House Democratic Leadership Team from 2006 to 2010 and helped craft and pass the Affordable Care Act. As co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, he advocated for fiscal discipline and government accountability. During the financial crisis, he established a congressional task force on housing stabilization.

State local and business foundations

Before Congress, Dennis spent six years in the California State Assembly, chaired its Rules Committee, and helped establish the Assembly Moderate Democratic Caucus. His earlier service included the Atwater and Merced city councils. He was chief operating officer of his family’s businesses from 1982 to 1996 and founded the political consulting firm Campaign Dynamics in 1986, closing it when he entered full-time public office.

Areas of expertise

Dennis works in the areas of healthcare, defense, water resources, agriculture, environmental policy, foreign affairs, transportation, infrastructure, state and federal appropriations, housing, banking, and energy.

Selected recognition

The Hill named Dennis a Top Lobbyist in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. His recognition also includes the UC Merced Chancellor’s Medal in 2009, California Sheriffs Association Legislator of the Year awards in 2000 and 2001, and the University of California Alumni Association’s Legislator of the Year award in 1999.