JJ Galvez is a Democratic candidate for California State Assembly District 71 in the November 3, 2026 General Election. He is also an appointed member of the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District board. His campaign centers on affordability, jobs, small-business opportunity, community safety, and preparation for natural disasters.
JJ Galvez at a Glance
- Office sought: California State Assembly, District 71
- Party preference: Democratic
- 2026 opponent: incumbent Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, Republican
- Current local public role: Treasurer and director on the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District board
- Residence identified by the campaign: Silverado Canyon, Orange County
- Professional background described by the campaign: technology and consulting
Background and Career
Galvez says he came to California as an immigrant to attend college, financing his education through scholarships and part-time work. His campaign biography says he later built a career in technology and consulting, working with both startups and larger companies. He describes that experience as shaping his interest in practical problem-solving and measurable results.
His current local public-service role can be independently verified through the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District. The district lists JJ Galvez on its Board of Directors as treasurer. California election filings for the 2026 primary listed his ballot designation as “Appointed Director, Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District.”
Why Is JJ Galvez Running for Assembly District 71?
Galvez says his candidacy is motivated by the cost of building a life in California and by concerns about the state’s ability to prepare for economic and technological change. His campaign also emphasizes the experience of living in Silverado Canyon, where wildfires, floods, landslides, and emergency preparedness are recurring local concerns.
The campaign frames its broader message around making California more affordable while expanding economic opportunity. These are campaign positions and proposals, not enacted policies.
What Issues Does the Galvez Campaign Emphasize?
For a fuller breakdown of each issue area, see JJ Galvez 2026 Policy Positions.
Cost of Living and Housing
The campaign identifies housing costs, transportation costs, insurance, childcare, and healthcare as major affordability issues. Its housing proposals include encouraging more affordable construction and addressing development costs. On insurance, the campaign proposes linking discounts to fire-mitigation investments and changing state rules with the goal of increasing competition.
Jobs, Education, and Small Business
Galvez proposes expanded career pathways in skilled trades, teaching, caregiving, and other fields his campaign describes as more resilient to automation. His platform also calls for teacher development, affordable higher-education pathways, streamlined permitting for small businesses, hiring incentives, and improved access to capital.
Community Safety and Disaster Preparedness
His campaign describes community safety as including civil rights, effective law enforcement, and readiness for earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and landslides. That focus is especially relevant to District 71 communities in and around the Santa Ana Mountains and southwest Riverside County, where wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning are familiar public concerns.
What Is California Assembly District 71?
California Assembly District 71 spans parts of Orange and Riverside counties. The current Assembly district office identifies communities including Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, French Valley, Temecula Wine Country, and unincorporated areas of Orange County. The district is currently represented by Republican Assemblymember Kate Sanchez.
The 2026 District 71 Race
The California Secretary of State certified candidates for the November 3, 2026 General Election in August. The District 71 contest features JJ Galvez and incumbent Assemblymember Kate Sanchez. California uses a top-two primary system for voter-nominated offices, and both candidates advanced from the June primary to the general election ballot. Our California Assembly District 71 Election 2026 guide covers both candidates, the district’s communities, and the major campaign themes.
What Voters Can Verify Before Election Day
Candidate websites are useful for understanding what each campaign says it would prioritize. For official information about who is on the ballot and the statewide election calendar, the California Secretary of State is the primary source. Voters researching District 71 can also review the California State Assembly website for current officeholder and district information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JJ Galvez running for in 2026?
He is running for California State Assembly District 71.
What party is JJ Galvez affiliated with?
California election records list his party preference as Democratic.
Does JJ Galvez currently hold public office?
He serves on the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District board. The district currently lists him as treasurer.
What issues does JJ Galvez emphasize?
His campaign highlights affordability, housing, jobs, small businesses, education, healthcare costs, community safety, and disaster preparedness. Details are in JJ Galvez 2026 Policy Positions.
Who is the incumbent in Assembly District 71?
Kate Sanchez, a Republican, is the current Assemblymember for District 71.
