[2] Before entering politics, Capps taught for more than thirty years at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

While driving home from a campaign event during the summer of 1996, Capps' vehicle was struck by a drunk supporter.

Ultimately, despite his absence from the campaign trail, Capps won, even as Bob Dole edged Bill Clinton in the district.

On October 28, 1997, Capps collapsed after suffering a heart attack at Dulles International Airport, and was pronounced dead at a hospital in Reston, Virginia.

Subsequent legislation by Congresswoman Capps has mandated the presence of automated external defibrillators in public places.