JJ Galvez

JJ Galvez earned a bachelor's degree from Loyola Marymount University in 2014.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm an immigrant who still believes in the American Dream.

I was born and raised in Honduras, where most people live in poverty. My mom was a kindergarten teacher and my dad was an insurance broker. Their hard work gave me a place in a bilingual school, where I learned to speak fluent English and was exposed to opportunities to study abroad. I’m proud to have attended college in California and paid my way through school with scholarships and part-time jobs.

After graduating, I built a successful career in technology. I've led teams in both small startups and large companies. I've built organizations from scratch and know what it's like to work with diverse stakeholders to solve problems and create value.

I'm proud of my hard work and the accomplishments it produced. But I also recognize that I benefitted from the opportunities presented to me.

Unfortunately, most people are losing faith in the American Dream because hard work alone is not enough and access to opportunity is unequal.

The cost of housing, healthcare, insurance, groceries, transportation, and childcare keeps rising, but wages aren’t keeping up. I see it in my community, and my wife and I feel it too.

At State Assembly, I’ll focus on practical solutions: lowering the cost of living, promoting job growth in sectors resilient to automation and AI, and governing with unity, because despite today's polarization, I believe that there is still more that unites us than divides us.

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?

Lower the Cost of Living

We need to tackle each of the drivers of cost of living (housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, insurance, and others) and we must do so in ways that do not entail tax increases to our working families. We have to prioritize removing bottlenecks and updating regulation to meet today’s challenges. I see the role of the state as a facilitator of resources that enacts structural change, not only as a funder.Grow AI-Resilient Jobs

We need to prepare our young generations for a world dominated by AI by expanding career pathways to AI-resilient jobs in the skilled-trades and caregiving. We also need to be re-thinking and implementing workforce redevelopment programs and expanding unemployment support. Empower everyone to excel with AI, not be supplanted by it.Lead with Unity

People feel at odds, but we're all struggling with the same things, which include rising costs and fear for the future. I will work to build a better future for everyone because I believe more unites us than divides us.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education -- it's the basis of opportunity. I benefited from it and we have to always be investing in it. We also need to ensure it's not only about learning skills, but also about promoting basic civics and ethics.

Mental Health & Community Support -- in a world that is increasingly distant and online, we must find ways to connect with each other and look after one another. I believe in investing in quality of life improvements that foster wellbeing and community.

Economic Opportunity -- our society is so fractured because we have lost faith in the American Dream. We must restore faith in the belief that you can accomplish whatever you can dream of, regardless of the circumstances you’re born into.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have received endorsements from the following organizations: California Democratic Party, California Young Democrats, Equality California, and the Iranian American Democrats of California.

Additionally, I have been endorsed by the following elected and civic leaders: U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, Assemblymember Corey Jackson, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mission Viejo Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez, San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Sergio Farias, Saddleback Valley USD Trustee Suzie Swartz, Saddleback Valley USD Trustee Barbara Schulmann, Murrieta Valley USD Trustee Nancy Young, Tustin USD Allyson Damikolas, and South OC Community College District Trustee Ryan Dack.