Meet Juan
ABOUT
Juan Camacho is a proud immigrant, civil rights leader, and the son of working-class parents who came to Los Angeles chasing the promise of the American Dream. Now, he’s running for State Senate to fight for working families — by creating good jobs, supporting small businesses, making housing more affordable, raising wages, creating safe communities where families can thrive, and ensuring everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.
Juan was born in México and came to California as a toddler. His family’s first home was a small apartment in the San Gabriel Valley, where his father worked multiple jobs and his mother stretched every dollar to raise five children — from groceries to school supplies, sports and everything in between. When his father finally landed a stable job in manufacturing — one that came with health insurance — it was life-changing. That experience left a lasting mark on Juan and drives his commitment to healthcare for all, no matter your job, income, or ZIP code.
Juan and his family's path to legal residency and citizenship came thanks to the 1980s amnesty program – a moment that brought stability and hope and shaped his lifelong fight for immigrant justice and opportunity.
As a teenager, Juan was galvanized by Proposition 187, which targeted immigrants like his family. He organized classmates, served as ASB Vice President, and discovered the power of civic action. With the help of Cal Grants and part-time jobs, he earned a degree from UC Davis and began a career in public service — working for Senator Barbara Boxer, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, and at the Southern California Association of Governments, where he built a reputation for listening, coalition building, and getting results.
Juan later led government and community affairs at Fox Studios, where he worked closely with unions like IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, and DGA to triple California’s film and TV tax credit — creating thousands of union jobs — and helped lead the $1.5 billion “Fox Future” studio modernization project, one of the largest union construction efforts in Los Angeles. During his time at Fox, Juan also gave back to the local community — helping organize free family movie nights and distributing thousands of backpacks and school supplies to students in need.
Today, Juan serves as President of Equality California Institute, where he leads programs to protect LGBTQ+ civil rights, support youth leadership, and make schools safer for all students. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its mission to fight for the diverse communities LGBTQ+ people belong to — including immigrants, people of color, those living with HIV, and people of faith.
Juan lives in Echo Park with his husband, Justin — a nurse practitioner — and their beagle, Rookie. They spend their free time cheering for the Dodgers, hanging out with family and friends, staying active, and helping local families during the holidays. Juan believes that when communities look out for one another, everyone moves forward.
