Rhonda Shader

Rhonda Shader was born in Whittier, California. She earned a high school diploma from Buena Park High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 1997. Shader's career experience includes working in insurance and financial services.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

First elected to the Placentia City Council in 2016 and serving two terms as Mayor, Rhonda didn’t just talk about reform, she delivered it. She launched Placentia’s first-ever independent Fire Department, cut wasteful spending, improved emergency response, and saved the city over $28 million, all while safeguarding a critical public service for residents.

A champion for fiscal responsibility, Rhonda implemented common-sense budgeting and long-term financial planning that set a new standard for accountability and transparency. Her leadership helped stabilize city finances and protect taxpayers from Sacramento-style mismanagement.

Rhonda is a fierce advocate for local businesses and working families. When the pandemic hit, she took decisive action: streamlining licensing, eliminating barriers for small businesses, and helping employers stay open and keep their teams working. She also created California’s first City-County infrastructure district, a groundbreaking partnership that generated 5,000 good-paying jobs and expanded economic opportunity across the region.

Her commitment to community runs deeper than public office. Rhonda has served on the St. Jude Medical Center Community Health Committee, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, and currently sits on the board of Lot 318, a nonprofit serving at-risk youth. She has been a strong voice on the Legislative Committee of the Orange County Association of Cities, and the So Cal Edison Government Advisory Panel

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?

Californians are priced out of the state by record high housing, energy and food prices. We pay some of the highest gas and income taxes in the nation. As your Senator, Rhonda will fight to cut the gas tax and defend the taxpayer protections of Prop 13.Californians no longer feel safe in their communities, as radical policies from Sacramento have allowed criminals free rein in our communities. Rhonda will fight to keep violent criminals out of our communities and support our law enforcement officers. I would also work to get Proposition 36 funded which this district overwhelmingly supported to bring some public safety reforms.As a Small Business Owner, Rhonda has seen firsthand the negative effects that overregulation can have on business owners, employees, and customers. Rhonda will fight to cut taxes and regulations on local small businesses and promote a healthy business climate in California.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Safety, jobs and the economy, infrastructure including roads, water and forest management, education and schools to protect our children, includes parents and allows choices.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, California Women’s Leadership PAC, Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association, Lincoln Club of Orange County, California Republican Party, GOP Union Caucus, California Young Republicans, California College Republicans

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Placentia Mayor Rhonda Shader has been in local government leadership since 2016. When she was elected Placentia had $49 in reserves. They now have $15 Million. Highlights of her efforts include:

Launching own Fire Department, saving $28,000,000

Created California’s first joint City-County infrastructure district, producing 5,000 jobs

Streamlined business license processes to help new small businesses

Provided housing for homeless veterans

Business Grants, flexible City approvals, and other support during COVID

Mayor Shader has served both At Large in Placentia and is currently the District 1 Council Member. Placentia’s District 1 has similar demographics and voter registration as the 34th Senate District.

With her experience as a small businessowner, Councilwoman, and Mayor, she knows how to bring together best practices from both the public and private sectors.

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?

Empower and fund local governments to combat homelessnessEnsure teachers, firefighters, police officers, and Sheriff’s deputies have the resources they need Fully funding our public schools while still providing charter schoolsLower the gas tax and the sales tax to decrease the cost of living

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Solving homelessness; affordability; increased crime; school choice; infrastructure planning for water storage.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Problem solver and consensus builder

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

Housing and homelessness

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

Yes you must be able to influence and work with others to move legislation forward.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely.