Santa Ana City Councilmember David Penaloza is throwing his name in the ring to represent the 68th State Assembly District.
After six years serving on the city dais, Penaloza said he wants to go to Sacramento and protect local government control from state mandates. Many state laws, Penaloza argues, come unfunded, with cities left to foot the bill.
“Every day there’s something new coming out of Sacramento that takes away city’s local control to govern, to make decisions that are beneficial for our community,” Penaloza said. “That’s why I decided to run, to help bring back that local control to local cities. Someone with a local perspective should be advocating for our cities in Sacramento.”
Penaloza is a lifelong Orange County resident, growing up in Santa Ana and attending local public schools. He currently serves as vice president of the League of California Cities, Orange County Division, as well as vice-chair of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, which manages the 73 Toll Road.
The Assembly’s 68th District includes Santa Ana, Anaheim and Orange. Current Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, who was re-elected for his second term in November, is running for the State Senate in 2026.
While the State Assembly is a bigger political arena, Penaloza said his experience as an Orange County resident, coupled with his experience as a councilmember, make him equipped for the job.
“These communities aren’t new to me,” Penaloza said. “I’ve done the work here at the local level, and I’ve been able to, on numerous occasions, help pass legislation that could better our communities. I’m well-suited and qualified to do the job, and I’m ready for it.”
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