Rafaela Romero

Rafaela Romero (Republican Party) is running for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 53. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Rafaela Romero. I grew up in Chino and now live in Ontario in the Inland Empire. Through my work in both the grocery sector and in schools, I’ve seen how broader economic trends affect families and students. These experiences—both in the workforce and in education—have shaped my understanding of the challenges facing families in our community and led me to run for State Assembly.

I’m running because many families in the Inland Empire are facing increasing financial pressure and want to see more focus on practical, results-oriented solutions. Across California, the cost of living—including housing, utilities, and everyday goods—has risen significantly in recent years. In our region, where many residents commute and work in logistics and service industries, these increases can have a direct impact on household stability.

I’m committed to ensuring that public policy reflects the needs of communities like ours and focuses on measurable improvements in affordability, education, and public safety.

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?

I support policies that improve affordability for working families, including efforts to address housing availability, reduce unnecessary cost burdens, and support economic opportunity in the Inland Empire. I’ve also seen how small businesses—many of which are family-owned—face challenges from rising costs and complex regulations that can make it harder to grow and create jobs.I believe we should focus on strengthening foundational skills in reading, math, and English, supporting teachers, and ensuring that decisions are guided by student outcomes and long-term success. I also believe families play a critical role in education, and parents should be informed and meaningfully involved in their children’s learning.Communities benefit from consistent enforcement of the law, support for law enforcement, and policies that promote safe neighborhoods while maintaining accountability and fairness.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about policies that directly affect the quality of life for working families. That includes affordability, access to effective education, and safe communities. I believe public policy should be evaluated based on outcomes—whether it is improving daily life, expanding opportunity, and providing stability for families. My experience in both the workforce and in education has reinforced the importance of practical, balanced approaches to these issues.”