Chairman Jesus G. Tarango Jr. was born and raised in Sacramento, the traditional homeland of the Miwok and Nisenan people. He began serving Wilton Rancheria in 2016 as Tribal Council Spokesperson, was elected Vice Chairman in 2018, and re-elected as Chairman in 2024, guiding the Tribe through a period of historic growth and achievement. Under his leadership, Wilton Rancheria made history in 2024 by becoming the majority owners of the Sacramento Republic FC, the first time a Native American Tribal Nation has held majority ownership of a men's professional sports team. In August 2025, the Tribe proudly broke ground on a new stadium in downtown Sacramento.

Chairman Tarango is deeply committed to preserving traditional Miwok and Nisenan values, having been a dancer and singer since childhood. He is a strong advocate for addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) epidemic, advancing cultural preservation, strengthening educational opportunities, and upholding Tribal sovereignty.

He also serves in statewide leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Central California Tribal Chairpersons' Association and as Vice Chairman of the California Tribal Chairpersons' Association. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Class XXVII.

Chairman Tarango follows in the footsteps of his mother, Chairwoman Emeritus Mary Tarango, who led Wilton Rancheria's fight for federal recognition. Prior to his Tribal leadership, he spent over 20 years in management with a Fortune 500 company. He is a devoted husband and father of six.