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Angel Ruiz

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Angel Ruiz
Elections and appointments
Last election
March 5, 2024
Education
Bachelor's
California State University, Northridge, 2019
Personal
Religion
Christian
Profession
Community organizer
Contact

Angel Ruiz (Democratic Party) ran for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 33. He lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.

Ruiz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Angel Ruiz's professional experience includes working as a community organizer and small business owner. He earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge in 2019.[1]

Ruiz has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

  • SEIU
  • Dolores Huerta Foundation
  • Equitable Mapping Coalition
  • California Democratic Party

Elections

2024

See also: California State Assembly elections, 2024

General election

General election for California State Assembly District 33

Alexandra Macedo defeated Xavier Avila in the general election for California State Assembly District 33 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Alexandra Macedo
Alexandra Macedo (R)
 
62.9
 
72,575
Xavier Avila (R)
 
37.1
 
42,773

Total votes: 115,348
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for California State Assembly District 33

Alexandra Macedo and Xavier Avila defeated Ruben Macareno, Angel Ruiz, and Hipolito Cerros in the primary for California State Assembly District 33 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Alexandra Macedo
Alexandra Macedo (R)
 
44.1
 
22,165
Xavier Avila (R)
 
23.5
 
11,845
Image of Ruben Macareno
Ruben Macareno (D)
 
15.2
 
7,640
Image of Angel Ruiz
Angel Ruiz (D) Candidate Connection
 
12.5
 
6,292
Hipolito Cerros (D)
 
4.7
 
2,375

Total votes: 50,317
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ruiz in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Angel Ruiz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruiz's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Angel Ruiz, a dedicated advocate for social justice and a candidate for California's Assembly District 33, embodies the American dream. His journey from Guatemala to Los Angeles, culminating in becoming the first in his family to graduate from college at California State University, Northridge, is a testament to resilience and ambition. Angel has championed labor rights and community empowerment through his work with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and SEIU, and as a small business owner, he understands the challenges and opportunities of local businesses. His campaign is driven by a commitment to accessible healthcare, equitable education, environmental sustainability, and robust labor rights. A key focus of his platform is closing the digital divide, ensuring that all communities have equal access to technology and internet connectivity, which is crucial for education and economic growth. Angel's vision for Assembly District 33 is one of progress, serving the needs of immigrants, working families, and small Latino business owners - being the voice of the voiceless.
  • Champion of Accessible Healthcare and Education: My commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all and improving educational opportunities in Assembly District 33 is unwavering. I believe in creating a healthcare system that caters to everyone, especially marginalized communities, and advocating for equitable education that offers every student a pathway to success.
  • Advocate for Labor Rights and Economic Growth: As a labor rights activist and small business owner, I understand the importance of robust labor rights and a thriving economy. My focus is on creating good-paying jobs with benefits, supporting small businesses, and fighting for the rights and dignity of all workers, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at economic prosperity.
  • Closing the Digital Divide: Recognizing the critical role of technology in modern society, I am dedicated to closing the digital divide in Assembly District 33. Ensuring equal access to high-speed internet and digital resources, especially in underserved areas, is key to advancing our district in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
I am deeply passionate about several key areas of public policy:

1. Healthcare Accessibility: I believe healthcare is a fundamental right. Advocating for comprehensive healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, is a priority. This includes mental health services, preventive care, and addressing healthcare disparities, particularly for marginalized communities.

2. Education and Technology: I am committed to enhancing our education system, focusing on equitable funding and resources for all schools. Bridging the digital divide is also crucial, ensuring that everyone, especially in rural and underserved areas, has access to digital tools and high-speed internet for educational and economic advancement.

3. Labor Rights and Economic Development: As a former labor rights advocate and small business owner, I am deeply committed to protecting workers' rights and fostering a healthy economy. This includes advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth.

4. Environmental Sustainability: Addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability is also a personal passion. I advocate for policies that protect our natural resources, promote renewable energy, and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
Dolores Huerta has always been a towering figure in my life, both as a mentor and an inspiration. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, workers' rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities embodies the values I strive to uphold in my own journey. Dolores' fearless leadership in co-founding the United Farm Workers union, her role in the historic Delano grape strike, and her famous rallying cry, "Sí, se puede," have been pivotal in shaping my understanding of what it means to fight for equality and change.

Her ability to mobilize and unite people across different backgrounds for a common cause is something I deeply admire and aim to emulate. Dolores Huerta's life's work reminds me that change is possible when we stand together and advocate for the rights and dignity of all people. Her legacy is a guiding light in my pursuit to serve the community and be a voice for those who are often unheard. As I navigate the complexities of political and social advocacy, Dolores Huerta's example remains a powerful influence, motivating me to lead with compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, and a commitment to public service. Integrity ensures trustworthiness and ethical decision-making. Transparency fosters accountability and public trust. A commitment to public service ensures that the needs and well-being of constituents are always the primary focus, guiding policy and legislative actions. Effective leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to empathize and understand diverse perspectives are also crucial. These qualities help in effectively representing and responding to the needs of all community members.
As Angel Ruiz, I believe several key qualities make me well-suited for holding public office:

1. Commitment to Social Justice and Community Empowerment: My background with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and SEIU underscores my dedication to fighting for equitable rights and opportunities for all, especially the underrepresented.

2. Strong Leadership Skills: My experience in organizing and advocacy has honed my leadership abilities. I'm adept at rallying people together for a common cause and navigating the complexities of public policy and community needs.

3. Deep Understanding of Labor and Civil Rights: My career has been grounded in labor rights and civil advocacy, providing me with a profound understanding of these critical issues and how they impact our community.

4. Empathy and Connection to the Community: As an immigrant, I share a personal connection with many challenges faced by our community members. This empathy drives me to be a voice for the voiceless and represent their interests authentically.

5. Collaborative Mindset: I believe in the power of working together. Building coalitions and working collaboratively with various groups and stakeholders is crucial for effective governance.

6. Resilience and Determination: My journey from Guatemala to becoming a first-generation college graduate and a public figure in California speaks to my resilience and determination, qualities essential for overcoming challenges in public office.

7. Vision for Progressive Change: I have a clear vision for the future, focusing on closing the digital divide, providing equitable healthcare, and ensuring quality education for all, which I believe are key to building a stronger community.

8. Effective Communication Skills: My ability to articulate issues clearly and engage with diverse audiences is vital for advocating policies and initiatives that benefit our community.
If I were to choose a fictional character to be, it would be Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Finch exemplifies integrity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to justice and equality. His character is a moral compass in a world rife with prejudice and injustice. As a public servant, these are values I strive to embody in my work every day – standing up for what is right, advocating for those who don't have a voice, and making decisions based on fairness and compassion. Finch's ability to remain principled in the face of societal pressures is an inspiration and a model for any individual in public service.
The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature should be based on mutual respect, open communication, and collaboration. Both should engage in regular dialogue, respect each other's roles, and work together on legislation, while allowing for healthy debate and differing viewpoints. This approach ensures comprehensive policymaking for the state's welfare.
California's greatest challenges in the next decade include addressing climate change and its impacts, ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare, closing the digital divide, advancing educational equity, and managing the housing crisis. Additionally, fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation, particularly in technology and green industries, while ensuring social and racial justice, will be key priorities.
Yes, I believe having experience in government or politics can be beneficial for state legislators. This experience often provides a deep understanding of legislative processes, policy-making, and constituent engagement. It equips them to navigate complex political landscapes and fosters relationships that can be crucial for effective governance. However, fresh perspectives from diverse professional backgrounds are also valuable in fostering innovative solutions and inclusive policymaking.
Absolutely, building relationships with other legislators is highly beneficial. Such relationships enable collaboration, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and often lead to more effective and comprehensive legislation. In a diverse legislative body, understanding varying viewpoints and finding common ground is crucial. Strong relationships can also aid in negotiating and reaching consensus on complex issues, ultimately benefiting the constituents we serve.
Yes, I firmly believe that compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking. In a diverse society, with a wide array of viewpoints and interests, finding common ground is essential for creating policies that are fair, inclusive, and sustainable. Compromise allows for a more holistic approach to governance, where multiple perspectives are considered and integrated. This approach not only fosters a more democratic process but also helps in building broader support for policies, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness. While staying true to core values and principles, being open to compromise is crucial for addressing complex challenges and achieving meaningful progress.
CADEM - California Democratic Party

California Legislative Latino Caucus
California Labor Federation
Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Manteca
Dolores Huerta Action Fund
California Young Democrats
Community Water Center Action Fund
Amalgamated Transit Union

Kings, Tulare, and Fresno County Democrat Central Committees
Tulare Stonewall Democrats
Kings County Latino Roundtable
Visalia Democratic Club
Tulare Democrat Club

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Angel Ruiz campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024California State Assembly District 33Lost primary$6,700 $0
Grand total$6,700 $0
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Election Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on January 24, 2023


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Minority Leader:Heath Flora
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