Jeff Gonzalez

Jeff Gonzalez is an American veteran, businessman, and politician who is a member of the California State Assembly from the 36th District. A Republican, he flipped the majority Latino district in 2024 which includes eastern Riverside County and Imperial County in the Low Desert of southeastern California.

Early life and education

Gonzalez is a first-generation American born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California. He graduated from National University with a Bachelor's in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and a Master of Science in organizational leadership.

Career

Upon graduating high school, Gonzalez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 19. He was deployed overseas to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as U.S. embassies in Honduras and the Czech Republic. He retired after two decades of service and became a pastor at Southwest Church in Indian Wells and Saddleback Church in Orange County.

California State Assembly

Gonzalez first ran for the California State Assembly in the 56th district against incumbent Democrat Eduardo Garcia in 2018. He lost by a wide margin. He ran again in 2024 after Garcia retired, and defeated Coachella School Board Trustee Joey Acuña in the general election in a major upset.

Personal life

Gonzalez and his wife, Christine, have four children, including an adult son diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They live in Indio, California.