Michael Joseph Panetta (born July 14, 1971)[1] is a former District of Columbia shadow representative, having served from 2007 to 2013.

Though elected by the citizens of Washington, Panetta was not recognized by Congress.

Panetta has run several high-profile campaigns for D.C. representation, including starting the District of Columbia Olympic Committee and leading efforts to rebrand RFK Stadium as "Taxation Without Representation Field".

[2][3] Panetta has pledged to make District of Columbia voting rights a national issue that is embraced by progressive activists across the country.

Panetta was reelected in 2008, facing no opposition in the Democratic primary[4] and defeating D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate Joyce Robinson-Paul in the November election by 86 to 13 percent.