Ernesto Perez

Ernesto Perez was born in Los Angeles, California. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009 to 2017. He graduated from Downey High School. He attended the University Of San Diego and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego in 2022. His career experience includes working as an administrator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ernesto Noel Perez, and I’m running for Congress in California’s 50th Congressional District to unseat Scott Peters. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran, a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, where I studied Public Policy, and I currently work as an administrator while pursuing my Master of Business Administration at the University of San Diego. Public service has always been at the center of my life, and I’m running for Congress because I believe our leaders should be fighting every day for the people they represent.

Unfortunately, establishment Democrats like Scott Peters have become too complacent and too comfortable with the status quo. They are not fighting hard enough for working families, for veterans, or for those struggling to make ends meet. My campaign is completely grassroots. I will not accept corporate PAC money or special interest donations. I have no ties to anyone who will try to influence my policy decisions. My only obligation is to the people of this district.

I am running on a bold, people-first agenda: health care for all, stronger medical and mental health services for veterans like myself, serious immigration reform, real education reform, and increasing taxes on the ultra-rich so our system works for everyone not just the wealthy and well-connected.

If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support our campaign, please reach out at noelperezforcongress@gmail.com

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A People-Powered Campaign, Not Bought by Special Interests

I’m running a fully grassroots campaign because Washington should answer to the people not corporations or wealthy donors. I refuse corporate PAC money and special-interest influence. My commitment is simple: every decision I make will be guided by what’s best for working families, not what benefits lobbyists or political insiders. CA-50 deserves a representative who works for you.A Veteran Fighting for Better Care for All of Us

As a Marine Corps veteran, I’ve seen firsthand how our healthcare and mental health systems fail the people who need them most veterans, seniors, working families, and young people. I’m fighting for universal healthcare access, stronger mental health support, and major improvements to veteran services. Healthcare is a right, and no one should be denied care because of cost or bureaucracy.Building a Fairer, Stronger Future for Working Families

Our district needs real leadership willing to address the challenges families face every day. That means serious immigration reform, fixing our education system, making housing more affordable, and ensuring the ultra-rich finally pay their fair share. We can build a future where opportunity is real, where families can thrive, and where our government works for all of us not just the wealthy few.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Healthcare and Mental Health Reform

2. Veteran Services and Support

3. Immigration Reform

4. Education and Opportunity

5. Economic Fairness & Tax Reform

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

John Lewis embodied the kind of courage, integrity, and moral clarity that our politics desperately needs today. He stood up for justice even when it meant putting his own safety at risk. He fought for voting rights, equality, and human dignity—not because it was politically convenient, but because it was the right thing to do.

Like John Lewis, I believe that public service is about standing with the people, especially those who are overlooked, underserved, or ignored. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped fighting for a more fair, compassionate, and inclusive country.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is my honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. Serving my country was one of the greatest responsibilities of my life, and I carried it out with pride, discipline, and a deep commitment to the Marines standing beside me.

The Marine Corps taught me leadership, resilience, and integrity. It shaped my values and strengthened my belief in serving something greater than myself. Those lessons guide me every single day and are a major reason I’m running for Congress to continue serving my community and my country, this time through public leadership.

My service is not just a chapter in my life; it is the foundation of who I am and the standard I hold myself to in everything I do.