Racquel Vasquez

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Racquel Vasquez
Image of Racquel Vasquez

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments
Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

California State University, Northridge, 1994

Personal
Birthplace
Los Angeles, Calif.
Profession
Mayor
Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal LinkedIn

Racquel Vasquez (Democratic Party) ran for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 79. She lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Racquel Vasquez was born in Los Angeles, California. Vasquez earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge in 1994. Her career experience includes serving as mayor. Vasquez has been affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega, the League of California Cities, the Municipal Employees Association, and the SANDAG Board of Directors.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: California State Assembly elections, 2024

General election

General election for California State Assembly District 79

LaShae Sharp-Collins defeated Colin Parent in the general election for California State Assembly District 79 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of LaShae Sharp-Collins
LaShae Sharp-Collins (D) Candidate Connection
 
54.0
 
79,215
Image of Colin Parent
Colin Parent (D) Candidate Connection
 
46.0
 
67,390

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 146,605
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 79

Colin Parent and LaShae Sharp-Collins defeated Racquel Vasquez in the primary for California State Assembly District 79 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Colin Parent
Colin Parent (D) Candidate Connection
 
39.6
 
21,992
✔
Image of LaShae Sharp-Collins
LaShae Sharp-Collins (D) Candidate Connection
 
30.3
 
16,854
Image of Racquel Vasquez
Racquel Vasquez (D) Candidate Connection
 
30.1
 
16,733

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 55,579
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 Vasquez in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Mayor Racquel Vasquez is deeply committed to community development and has a proven track record as a leader. Now, she's prepared to serve as your Assemblymember, dedicated to delivering results for our community!

Married more than 30 years to a retired US Navy veteran, Vasquez witnessed the power of service and sacrifice firsthand, inspiring her to start her public service journey in 2007. Since then, she has been elected Councilmember and Mayor, making history as the first black woman Mayor in San Diego County. Her realistic plans have led to tangible growth and success for our community, fueled by transparency, collaboration, and unwavering advocacy.

Now, Mayor Vasquez is ready to represent the 79th Assembly District in Sacramento, bringing her sensible leadership and vision for positive change. Let's send her to Sacramento to get the job done. Vote for Vasquez!

Learn more www.RacquelVasquez.com | Connect Racquel4Assembly@gmail.com | Get Involved https://rv79.us/volunteer
  • Housing Insecurity and Homelessness – Vasquez's leadership highlights include addressing housing insecurity and homelessness through innovative partnerships, meeting affordable housing mandates, and championing a one-size-fits-all approach for better solutions. She implemented an economic stimulus program, injecting over $500,000 into the local economy, prioritizing job creation and supporting small businesses.
  • Jobs and Economy – Vasquez initiated an economic stimulus program that put more than $500,000 into the local economy in less than a year.This program provided support to small businesses, helping them thrive, and directly benefited community members by putting money into their pockets. Mayor Vasquez recognizes the widespread impact of inflation on everyone. She feels it too. While wages are increasing, prices, particularly those related to the cost of living, are outpacing growth. She believes one job should be enough to cover basic living expenses. Mayor Vasquez is committed to prioritizing policies that support both small businesses and everyday people, aiming to address these economic challenges and ensure financial stability for all.
  • Neighborhood Safety – Focused on neighborhood safety, Vasquez increased Sheriff staffing, advocated for accountability, oversight, and secured resources for thriving communities. Her commitment to environmental initiatives, budget transparency, and infrastructure improvement is evident, paving roads and fixing potholes, including those neglected for decades.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez is committed to supporting environmental policy, fixing infrastructure, and enhancing community well-being. As Mayor, she initiated the Lemon Grove Climate Action Plan to address climate change, a commitment she continues. She prioritizes infrastructure improvements and equitable funding distribution, a focus she'll maintain as an Assemblymember. Mayor Vasquez collaborates with local agencies, including Thrive Lemon Grove, to assist marginalized communities. These efforts include establishing and maintaining community gardens, sustaining food distribution programs, and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez's political philosophy aligns with "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama, and the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." In "The Audacity of Hope" discusses themes of community engagement and political transparency, while "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," highlights the importance of standing up for the community's interests in politics. Her political philosophy centers on legislation that serves the people and prioritizes community needs. She believes in transparent budgeting processes that ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, her focus is on putting people and communities first in all legislative endeavors.
An effective elected official in the California Assembly should embody experience, strong character, unwavering commitment, a solid value system, a spirit of collaboration, and transparent communication with constituents. These principles form the foundation for trustworthy and effective representation, ensuring that the needs and voices of the community are genuinely heard and advocated for in the legislative process. Mayor Racquel Vasquez embodies these characteristics, making her a trustworthy and effective leader for the California Assembly.
Mayor Vasquez possesses several qualities that will contribute to her success as a member of the California Assembly. She demonstrates strong leadership skills, evidenced by her track record as Mayor, where she effectively addressed community needs and championed important initiatives. Additionally, her commitment to transparency and accountability in governance ensures that she will represent her constituents diligently. Mayor Vasquez's dedication to collaboration and communication will enable her to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to enact meaningful legislation. Her passion for serving her community and her ability to prioritize issues that matter most to her constituents further underscore her potential for success in the Assembly. Overall, Mayor Vasquez's leadership, integrity, and dedication make her well-suited to excel in the California Assembly.
As a California State Assembly member, Racquel Vasquez will uphold her responsibilities by representing constituents effectively, advocating for their needs, crafting beneficial legislation, and ensuring transparent and accountable government operations.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez's legacy will be marked by her transformative leadership and dedication to her community. As Mayor, she focused on affordable housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Her efforts to combat homelessness and support vulnerable communities will be remembered. As an Assembly member, she will continue to advocate for critical issues, fostering unity and progress. Mayor Vasquez's legacy will be one of positive change and tireless service to her constituents.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez's first job was at a business owned by her family called “The Beauty Parlor” in Torrance, California, where she worked as a receptionist.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez, like Wonder Woman, embodies qualities of courage, determination, and a commitment to justice. Wonder Woman is an iconic symbol of empowerment, using her abilities to protect the innocent and fight for what is right. Similarly, Mayor Vasquez approaches her role with a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Both figures serve as inspirations for others, encouraging individuals to stand up for their beliefs and work towards a better future. Additionally, Wonder Woman's dedication to peace and diplomacy reflects Mayor Vasquez's efforts to foster unity and collaboration within her community. Overall, by identifying with Wonder Woman, Mayor Vasquez highlights her aspiration to be a force for positive change and a champion for those in need.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez believes the ideal relationship between the governor and the California State Legislature is one of collaboration and cooperation. She emphasizes the importance of working together to address the needs and concerns of Californians, crafting legislation that benefits all residents of the state. This collaboration should be based on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to protecting our economy and environment while serving in the best interest of the people of California.
Over the next decade, California faces several key challenges. These include the urgent need for more affordable housing to combat homelessness and housing insecurity. Climate change poses another major issue, with wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels threatening the state. Economic inequality is also a concern, alongside the necessity to update aging infrastructure. Improving education and healthcare accessibility are additional priorities. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to build a better future for all Californians.
Yes. Building relationships with other California legislators is important because it fosters collaboration and cooperation, allowing policymakers to work together more effectively to address issues and pass legislation that benefits the state and communities. It also helps in building alliances and coalitions to support common goals and navigate the complexities of the legislative process. Additionally, strong relationships can facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and resources, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all.
Mayor Racquel Vasquez looks up to Congresswoman Barbara Jordan for her leadership qualities. She admires Jordan's honesty, bravery, and dedication to serving the public. Inspired by Jordan, Mayor Vasquez strives to earn the trust of her community and fellow leaders. She is committed to advocating for justice, equality, and civil rights, following Jordan's example. Mayor Vasquez aims to address important issues transparently and collaboratively, honoring Jordan's legacy through her own actions and leadership.
Why did Mayor Racquel Vasquez bring a ladder to the election? Because she's ready to take her leadership to the next level!
Supervisor Otto Lee, Santa Clara County

Supervisor Wanda Williams, Solano County
Mayor Terry Johnson ret., Oceanside
Mayor Devin Murphy, Pinole
Mayor Walter Allen, Covina
Mayor Lesa Heebner, Solana Beach
Vice-Mayor Teressa Cox, Fremont
Councilmember Bill Baber ret., La Mesa
Councilmember Edgar Garcia, El Centro
Councilmember Jackie Elward, Rohnert Park
Trustee Cheryl Robertson, Lemon Grove School Board
Trustee Yajaira Preciado, Lemon Grove School Board
President Javier Ayala, PhD, Lemon Grove School Board
San Diego County Human Rights Commission Vice Chair Elenor Evans
San Diego County Human Rights Commissioner Dennis Hodges, ret.

Teachers, firefighters, military service members, laborers and hundreds of everyday community members like you!
Committees - Budget, Education and Public Safety
Subcommittees - Education Finance; Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy and Transportation
Mayor Racquel Vasquez is dedicated to budget transparency. She uncovered 20 years of deficit spending and resolved six significant discrepancies found in a 2016 independent audit. Implementing a new transparent budget reporting system, she improved the city's credit score from BBB- to an A- investment grade, allowing for competitive borrowing rates. She also created a 115 trust to earn 9% interest on one-time funds, addressing long-term liabilities. Additionally, she ensures accountable funding for law enforcement and fire protection services.

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.

Racquel Vasquez campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* California State Assembly District 79Lost primary$27,000 $21,673
Grand total$27,000 $21,673
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

2024 Elections

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External links

Candidate

California State Assembly District 79
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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 6, 2024


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