McNerney was inspired to run for Congress by his son Michael, who in response to the attacks of September 11, sought and received a commission in the Air Force. Michael suggested that his Dad serve his country by running for Congress. With a deep sense of duty and his family’s support, McNerney began his journey to Congress.

Congressman McNerney is honored to serve on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the Subcommittees on Energy and Environment and Investigations and Oversight. Congressman McNerney is also privileged to serve on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

McNerney, who has his Ph.D. in mathematics, served several years as an engineering contractor to Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. In 1990 McNerney moved with his family to California, accepting a senior engineering position with U.S. Windpower, Kenetech. McNerney later began working as an energy consultant for PG&E, FloWind, the Electric Power Research Institute, and other utility companies. Prior to his election to Congress, he formed a start-up company to manufacture wind turbines. During his career in wind energy, McNerney’s work contributed to saving the equivalent of approximately 30 million barrels of oil, or 8.3 million tons of carbon dioxide.

McNerney and Mary, his wife of 32 years, live Stockton, California. Their oldest son, Michael, is a reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of American University with a degree in law. Daughter Windy received an advanced degree from Notre Dame in neuroscience, and their youngest son, Greg, received his Ph.D. in biophysics and is working as an engineer at Intel Corporation.