Juan's Priorities
OUR VISION
Fighting Trump's Attacks
As a proud immigrant and civil rights leader, Juan is not afraid to stand up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans and defend our fundamental freedoms. Under his leadership, Equality California sued the Trump Administration to block their hateful attacks against the LGBTQ+ community and won. And as ICE becomes increasingly emboldened to attack immigrants in our streets, separate families, and even detain U.S. citizens, Juan is fighting back for all of us. That’s why LGBTQ+ and immigrant civil rights groups have endorsed Juan’s campaign for State Senate.
Reproductive Freedom
Juan believes reproductive freedom is fundamental healthcare and that politicians have no place in personal medical decisions. As President of Equality California Institute, he has fought to protect reproductive rights and expand access to care for vulnerable communities. With abortion rights under attack, Juan is committed to protecting access to reproductive healthcare that is safe and affordable so women and families, not politicians, control their own futures.
Cost of Living
Juan grew up in a family that worked hard to put food on the table, and he does not take that for granted. He knows what it’s like to live without health care as a safety net and believes everyone deserves affordable, quality health care. Juan understands that too many Californians are living paycheck to paycheck, and throughout his career, he has worked closely with labor unions to create and protect jobs in the entertainment and construction industries AND to keep everyday costs affordable, even opposing new taxes on food and beverages. As our State Senator, Juan will work to provide more affordable housing, address the rising cost of healthcare, and oppose Trump’s tariffs that are driving up the costs on everyday goods.
Healthcare for All
When Juan’s family arrived in the United States, they did not have access to health care, and it changed their lives when his father secured a manufacturing job with health insurance. This experience, and being married to a nurse, have made Juan a believer in ensuring health care is a right for all, not a privilege. As President of the civil rights organization Equality California Institute, Juan has worked to expand access to quality health care and is fighting back against the Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. In the State Senate, Juan will fight to ensure everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare.
Affordable Housing
Too many working families across Los Angeles are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs and stay in their homes. Juan strongly supports policies to build more affordable housing responsibly, so homeownership is more accessible for first-time buyers and working families. And he will work to fully fund and increase rental assistance programs to help families at risk of becoming homeless pay their rent and stay off our streets.
Combating Homelessness
As President of Equality California Institute, Juan has led efforts to reduce homelessness, especially youth homelessness. He has invested in training for homelessness care providers to get people off the streets for good. Juan knows that just throwing money at this multifaceted problem is not enough, and in the State Senate, he will advocate for proven solutions to deliver results — getting young people and families off our streets and into permanent, supportive housing.
Jobs & Small Businesses
Juan has a proven record of creating and protecting local jobs. As a former member of FilmLA, Juan worked to attract productions that boost local businesses and economic growth. At Fox Studios, he worked closely with entertainment unions to help triple the state’s film and TV tax credit, keeping production in California and supporting thousands of good union jobs. He also helped lead the $1.5 billion studio expansion, creating union construction jobs, and served on the LA Tourism Commission where he voted to modernize the Convention Center, creating jobs and supporting small businesses.
Public Education
Juan strongly believes in the power of public education to unlock opportunity and create a brighter future for all. Growing up as immigrants, Juan and his siblings had dedicated public school educators who believed in them and helped them succeed. He went on to put himself through college with the help of Cal Grants and part-time jobs and today leads Equality California Institute’s efforts to make schools safe and supportive for all students. As Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans attempt to defund our public schools, Juan will fight back and fully fund public K-12 schools and higher education, raise wages for classroom teachers and essential classified professionals like bus drivers and custodians, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Gun Safety
Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, at school, in houses of worship, and walking down the street. Juan supports common-sense gun safety laws to keep dangerous weapons and ghost guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers, and people dealing with mental health crises. In addition to stronger gun safety laws, he supports a comprehensive approach to public safety that includes investments in crime prevention, mental health, and community programs that address the root causes of violence and keep families safe.
Environmental Justice
Juan believes we can protect our environment and support working families at the same time. California’s clean energy transition must create good-paying union jobs, invest in retraining and apprenticeships, and ensure workers are not left behind. He supports holding corporate polluters accountable for cleanup costs — not taxpayers. In the State Senate, Juan will fight for practical, balanced solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen our economy, and deliver real opportunities for working families and small businesses.
