José Luis Solache (born 1980) is an American politician who is serving a member of the California State Assembly since 2024, representing the 62nd district. A member of the Democratic Party, his district covers parts of the Gateway Cities in southeastern Los Angeles County, including the cities of Bellflower, Lakewood, and Paramount, as well as the more central cities of Huntington Park and South Gate.[1] Prior to being elected to the assembly, he served as a member of the Lynwood city council from 2013 to 2024, serving intermittently as its mayor.
Early life and education
Jose Solache was born in Bellflower, California, and grew up in nearby Lynwood, attending local public schools. He attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal studies. While in college, he served two terms as student body president and as the statewide chairman of the California State Student Association. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Southern California.[2]
Early career
Solache was first elected to public office in 2003, when he became the youngest Latino member of the Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education at the age of 23. After serving two terms on the board, he was elected to the Lynwood City Council in 2013.[2] As Lynwood operated under a council–manager government, members of the city council are ceremoniously selected as mayor for one-year terms, of which Solache served multiple before retiring to run for state assembly.
Solache ran for California State Senate in the 33rd district in 2019, placing 5th in the special election to replace Ricardo Lara.[3][4]
California State Assembly
Solache announced his candidacy for the 62nd district in April 2023. He ran with the endorsement of then-speaker of the assembly Anthony Rendon, who was term-limited out of his seat.[5] Positions raised during his campaign included lowering college tuition, investing in after-school programs, and increasing public safety.[6] Solache defeated Republican Paul Jones in the November 2024 general election with 66.0% of the vote.[7]
Electoral history
2024
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Jose Solache | 19,050 | 41.4 | |
| Republican | Paul Jones | 15,798 | 34.4 | |
| Democratic | Maria Estrada | 11,117 | 24.2 | |
| Total votes | 45,965 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Jose Solache | 85,383 | 66.0 | |
| Republican | Paul Jones | 43,974 | 34.0 | |
| Total votes | 129,357 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2019
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Lena Gonzalez | 10,984 | 31.6 | |
| Republican | Jack M. Guerrero | 4,860 | 14.0 | |
| Democratic | Ali Saleh | 3,334 | 9.6 | |
| Democratic | Ana Maria Quintana | 3,038 | 8.8 | |
| Democratic | Jose Solache | 2,594 | 7.5 | |
| Democratic | Denise Diaz | 2,404 | 6.9 | |
| Republican | Martha Flores Gibson | 2,225 | 6.4 | |
| Democratic | Leticia Vasquez Wilson | 1,839 | 5.3 | |
| Democratic | Al Austin, II | 1,356 | 3.9 | |
| Democratic | Thomas Jefferson Cares | 824 | 2.4 | |
| Democratic | Chris Garcia | 720 | 2.1 | |
| Green | Cesar Flores | 529 | 1.5 | |
| Total votes | 34,711 | 100.0 | ||
Personal life
References
- ^ "District 62 Details". California State Assembly. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ a b "Staff Directory | José Luis Solache". City of Lynwood Official Website. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ Modesti, Kevin (March 5, 2019). "In race for state Senate seat, small-city leaders tussle — and they all battle Long Beach". Press-Telegram. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Modesti, Kevin (March 26, 2019). "Democrat Gonzalez, Republican Guerrero headed for state Senate runoff". Press-Telegram. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "Lynwood councilmember announces candidacy for State Assembly". 2UrbanGirls. April 20, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ Mays, Mackenzie (February 1, 2024). "Your guide to California's Assembly District 62 race: Southeastern L.A. County". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ Tat, Linh (November 6, 2024). "2024 Election Results: Latest on California state Assembly races in LA County". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- ^ "Presidential Primary Election - Statement of Vote, March 5, 2024 - State Assembly" (PDF).
- ^ "General Election - Statement of Vote, November 5, 2024 - State Assemblymember By District" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
- ^ Notice to candidates ca.gov
- ^ Bajko, Matthew (February 2, 2023). "Gay Lynwood councilmember Solache confirms CA Assembly b". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
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