Oscar De Los Santos

Oscar De Los Santos lives in Arizona. De Los Santos earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Southern California in 2015, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, and earned a master of public policy at the University of Oxford in England. He also a graduate degree from the Union Theological Seminary in 2020.[1] His career experience includes working as a teacher, head of public policy at the Association of Arizona Food Banks, and at the Arizona Democracy Resource Center.[2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Oscar De Los Santos serves as the Representative for District 11 in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Born to working-class immigrant parents, Oscar has dedicated his life and career to public service and progressive values.

As a teacher at a low-income school in South Phoenix, he's been on the frontlines of the fight for better-funded schools and better teacher pay.

As head of public policy at the Association of Arizona Food Banks, he represented Arizona's 1,200 food banks and food pantries in the Arizona Legislature and in Congress.

Oscar has been recognized locally and internationally for his leadership. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, earned a master of public policy at the University of Oxford, and was invited by the White House to a private meeting with President Obama.

Elected to the House in 2022, Oscar has been a tireless advocate for lowering housing costs, defending reproductive rights, supporting public education, protecting voting rights, taking on corporate corruption, and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.

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?

Housing is too expensive: I'm proud to be a leader in the fight to reduce housing costs and take on the greedy corporations that are jacking up housing prices. You can learn more about my plan here: https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2024/02/28/corporate-investors-buy-arizona-homes-not-affordable/72760104007/Protect abortion and women's rights: Donald Trump and MAGA extremists politicians are attacking abortion and women's freedom to make their own choices. But I trust women to make their own decisions -- and I'm fighting to ensure politicians and the government stay out of private medical decisions.Support our teachers and public education: As a former 6th grade teacher, I know the importance of a high quality public education for every child. I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of educators from the Roosevelt, Laveen, and Phoenix Union School Districts as well as the support of Save Our Schools, a parent group that advocates for public education.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability & A Strong Economy, Housing & Homelessness, Abortion & Reproductive Freedom, Voting Rights, Climate and Environment, Public Education

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, Collaboration, Vision

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representing your community and constituents, not the greedy corporations and special interests

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. I have a master's degree in Christian theology and I admire Jesus' care and concern for the poor and the marginalized.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Partnership. I'm proud Governor Hobbs named me to the Governor's Council on Housing and Homelessness.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Ensuring we have a sustainable water supply

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can help -- but we also don't want career politicians in office.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely! That's what democracy is all about.

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

President Barack Obama. I worked for his 2012 campaign and served in his White House as an intern. I also had the pleasure to have a private meal with him.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not currently.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Elected Officials: Congressman Ruben Gallego, Senator Catherine Miranda, Guadalupe Mayor Valerie Molina, Councilwoman Laura Pastor

Organizations: Arizona Education Association, Latino Victory, Save Our Schools, Arizona Ironworkers, Arizona Carpenters, LUCHA, Working Families Party, Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Sierra Club, Maricopa County Young Democrats, UFCW 99, Unite Here 11, Arizona AFL-CIO.

What committees interest you?

Elections, Water, Education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I was proud to sponsor legislation to ban lobbyist donations to elected officials.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Oscar De Los Santos was born to working-class immigrant parents. He's dedicated his life and career to public service and progressive values.

As a teacher at a low-income school in South Phoenix, he's been on the frontlines of the fight for better-funded schools and better teacher pay.

As head of public policy at the Association of Arizona Food Banks, he represented Arizona's 1,200 food banks and food pantries in the Arizona Legislature and in Congress. He fought for state laws that promote economic justice⁠—and won.

Today, he works at the Arizona Democracy Resource Center, combatting Republican attacks on our democracy and our freedom to vote.

Before working on public policy in Arizona, Oscar served in the Obama White House, where he worked for one of President Obama's senior economic advisors, gaining valuable experience in national economic affairs.

Oscar has been recognized locally and internationally for his leadership. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, earned a master of public policy at the University of Oxford, and was invited by the White House to a private meeting with President Obama.

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?

Public Education: 1) End classroom overcrowding; 2) Pay educators what they deserve; 3) Two years of free community college, as Arizona's constitution demandsEconomy: 1) Bring median rent & house payment down to $750/month; 2) Give Arizonans paid family leave; 3) Raise the minimum wage; 4) Unionize workers; 5) Create low-cost, high-quality public childcare centersHealthcare: 1) Cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $20/month; 2) Free dental, vision, and hearing coverage for all seniors; 3) Give us a choice between for-profit private insurance and a public healthcare plan with nonprofit premiums and no copays

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a former public school teacher, ensuring we have a high-quality public education system is a top priority. In office, I would fight to: 1) End classroom overcrowding; 2) Pay educators what they deserve; 3) Two years of free community college, as Arizona's constitution demands