Martin Arias

Martin Arias earned a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University in 2015. Arias' career experience includes working as a public servant.[1]

San Ysidro School Board

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State Board of Equalization

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Martín Arias: From Family to Community—Real Change, Real Results, A More Affordable California

Family & Personal Story:

- Born and raised in San Diego, Martín Arias is a proud first-generation American, the son of Mexican immigrants who came to California generations ago to create a better future.

- First in his family to graduate from college, overcoming financial and social barriers.

- Inspired by his upbringing in underrepresented communities, he gives a voice to those historically unheard.

- As a father, raising two young sons with his wife, Maritza, a proud working mom, Martín knows the struggles families face — and it drives his fight to make life more affordable and fair.

Public Service & Leadership Roles:

- Taxpayer Advocate, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office

Helped thousands of taxpayers lower their property taxes.

Assisted 20,000 disabled veterans receive property tax exemptions. Delivered $35 million in tax savings for veterans and their families.

- Director, Prevention & Intervention Programs, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

Created 19 Homeless Court Resource Fairs. Helped 2,000+ unhoused people access shelter and vital documents like driver’s licenses & birth certificates, and clear legal barriers, helping rebuild their lives.

- School Board Trustee, San Ysidro School District

Advocates for academic excellence, student safety, and community trust.

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?

Join California Firefighters in voting for Martín Arias for the California State Board of Equalization! “Taxpayer Advocate Martín Arias is the only qualified candidate and certified expert by the State Board of Equalization that Firefighters trust. We have seen Martín’s strong record of protecting wildfire survivors from unfair property taxes and penalties when rebuilding their homes.”— CAL FIRE Local 2881As your Taxpayer Advocate, Martín Arias has saved taxpayers millions, and he will deliver you tax relief too! Utilizing California State Board of Equalization tax saving programs, Martín SAVED HOMEOWNERS $31.8 million; SAVED SENIORS $5.7 million; SAVED DISABLED VETERANS $36.8 million; SAVED CHURCHES, NON-PROFITS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SMALL BUSINESSES, and RENTERS $228 million in tax relief. Martín ensures transparency and fairness—protecting renters and homeowners with Prop 13 tax savings.As the proud son of working-class immigrants, Martín understands the struggles facing many Californians who work hard and pay taxes yet still struggle to afford homeownership.

That’s why Martín fights to make California more affordable, safeguarding you and your family from being overtaxed!

Martín is a San Diego State University graduate, father of two, and husband to his amazing wife Maritza, a working mom. Martín serves on the USS MIDWAY and YMCA leadership.

Endorsed by firefighters, teachers, neighbors, small business owners, and local elected and community leaders from San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, Imperial County, and San Bernardino County.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m most passionate about public policy that helps working families and individuals build and protect generational wealth and affordability, especially through homeownership, tax fairness, housing stability, and education. As a Taxpayer Advocate and Board of Equalization-certified property tax appraiser, I help families understand their property taxes, protect their homes, and preserve opportunities to pass those homes down to their children and grandchildren. Keeping a family home can create stability and long-term opportunity for future generations. I’ve helped secure $35 million in relief for 20,000 disabled veterans. Public service should deliver real results, restore trust, and make government work for people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

- CAL FIRE Local 2881 IAFF - AFL-CIO 10,000 front-line firefighters across California

- California Latino Legislative Caucus

- Dolores Huerta and Dolores Huerta Action Fund

- San Ysidro Education Association (SYEA)

- California School Employees Association (CSEA) - San Ysidro Chapter 154

- Tony Vazquez, State Board of Equalization

- Senator Melissa Hurtado

- Assemblymember David Alvarez

- Senator Ben Hueso (Ret.)

- Esther Sanchez - Mayor of Oceanside

- Ron Morrison - Mayor of National City

- Tomás Oliva, Former Mayor of El Centro

- Cesar Fernandez - Chula Vista Deputy Mayor

- José Preciado - Chula Vista City Council

- Marcus Bush, National City Council

- Jose Medina & Yxstian Gutierrez, Riverside County Supervisors

Martin Arias did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.