Patsy Ayala

Patsy Ayala is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council in California, representing District 1. She assumed office on December 10, 2024. Her current term ends on December 11, 2028.

Ayala ran for election to the Santa Clarita City Council to represent District 1 in California. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Patsy Ayala was born in Mexico. She earned a high school diploma from Cristobal Colon High School and a bachelor's degree from the Tecnológico de Monterrey in 1995. Her career experience includes working as a business manager. Ayala has been affiliated with Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, Education Foundation, and Soroptimist.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Santa Clarita City Council District 1

Patsy Ayala defeated Bryce Jepsen and Tim Burkhart in the general election for Santa Clarita City Council District 1 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Patsy Ayala (Nonpartisan)	35.6	4,563
	Submit photo	Bryce Jepsen (Nonpartisan)	32.3	4,142
	Submit photo	Tim Burkhart (Nonpartisan)	32.1	4,108

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,813
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Ayala's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ayala in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Patsy Ayala completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ayala's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Patsy Ayala, a proud product of the American Dream. After immigrating to this country, I’ve worked hard to build a life for myself and my family in Santa Clarita, a community I’ve called home for over two decades. With a background that spans both large corporations and small business ownership, I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with being an entrepreneur. My experience working in corporate environments provided me with insight into organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and business operations. As a small business owner, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, giving me a deep understanding of the tribulations that business owners face, from meeting payroll to adapting to market changes. In addition to my business experience, I’ve had the honor of serving as a public servant in both the California Assembly and Senate. I’ve worked to bring government closer to the people, especially in times of crisis. Whether it was navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting constituents during wildfires, or responding to other emergencies, I’ve always strived to ensure that our community has access to the resources it needs. My passion for public service and commitment to representing my community has driven me to advocate for policies that promote safety, economic growth, and sustainability. As a Councilwoman for Santa Clarita, I will continue to champion these values and work hard to make our city an even better place

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Community Safety First: I am committed to ensuring safe neighborhoods by working closely with law enforcement, addressing public safety concerns, and promoting programs that protect our families and businesses.
Economic Growth & Opportunity: I will support small businesses, foster job creation, and encourage sustainable development, ensuring that our local economy thrives while protecting Santa Clarita’s natural beauty.
Inclusive Leadership & Transparency: I am dedicated to being a transparent and accessible leader who listens to the community. My goal is to represent all voices and ensure accountability in local government decisions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that promote public safety, economic development, and sustainable urban planning. I also prioritize education, working to ensure that our schools and families have the resources needed to succeed. Additionally, I am committed to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for all residents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I vividly remember is 9/11. I was living in Santa Clarita at the time, and the shock of that day forever transformed me. It deepened my love and respect for this country, and it fueled my desire to serve my community and contribute to a stronger, united future. When I visited the memorial at ground zero, the powerful energy there moved me deeply, reminding me of the resilience and strength of the American spirit. That experience reaffirmed my commitment to public service and making a positive impact.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I firmly believe that having previous experience in government is highly beneficial for those holding public office. My extensive background in the California Assembly and Senate has equipped me with a deep understanding of how government operates and how to effectively navigate legislative processes. Serving as a Senior Field Representative and Senate District Representative, I gained firsthand knowledge of policy-making, constituent services, and crisis management. These roles allowed me to address community concerns at the highest levels, advocate for meaningful legislative changes, and bring government closer to the people when they needed it most, such as during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and local emergencies like wildfires.

Having prior government experience provides the foundational knowledge required to effectively collaborate with other officials, agencies, and community organizations. It also enables officeholders to make informed decisions that directly impact residents, businesses, and public safety. Understanding the intricacies of policy implementation, budget management, and legal compliance ensures that government leaders can enact solutions that are not only strategic but also actionable. Furthermore, my time in government has taught me the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability—qualities that are essential to build trust with the community and ensure their voices are heard.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to be endorsed by a diverse group of respected leaders and organizations, including California Senator Scott Wilk, Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth, and former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. I also have the support of community leaders such as Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Miranda, and key figures like Jonathan Hatami, Suzette Valladares, and Fred Arnold. For a complete list of endorsements, please visit patsyayala.com/endorsements. My campaign has over 100 endorsements from trusted officials and organizations.

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.

External links

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Candidate

Santa Clarita City Council District 1

Officeholder

Santa Clarita City Council District 1

Website

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024

[1]

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Patsy Ayala

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Santa Clarita City Council District 1

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

Information for candidates

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