Sean Elo-Rivera
2020 - Present
2028
4
Sean Elo-Rivera is a member of the San Diego City Council in California, representing District 9. He assumed office on December 14, 2020. His current term ends on December 11, 2028.
Elo-Rivera ran for re-election to the San Diego City Council to represent District 9 in California. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sean Elo earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Chapman University in 2009 and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2013. His career experience includes working as a teacher, coach, and director of campaigns and policy. Elo's organizational affiliations include the San Diego Leadership Alliance, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and RISE San Diego.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in San Diego, California (2024)
General election
General election for San Diego City Council District 9
Incumbent Sean Elo-Rivera defeated Terry Hoskins in the general election for San Diego City Council District 9 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan)  | 60.7 | 28,106 |
 | Terry Hoskins (Nonpartisan) | 39.3 | 18,189 | |
| Total votes: 46,295 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for San Diego City Council District 9
Incumbent Sean Elo-Rivera and Terry Hoskins defeated Fernando Garcia in the primary for San Diego City Council District 9 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) | 51.9 | 10,042 |
| ✔ | | Terry Hoskins (Nonpartisan) | 30.1 | 5,816 |
 | Fernando Garcia (Nonpartisan) | 18.0 | 3,491 | |
| Total votes: 19,349 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
Elo-Rivera received the following endorsements.
2020
See also: City elections in San Diego, California (2020)
General election
General election for San Diego City Council District 9
Sean Elo-Rivera defeated Kelvin Barrios in the general election for San Diego City Council District 9 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) | 62.7 | 26,835 |
| Kelvin Barrios (Nonpartisan) | 37.3 | 15,990 | ||
| Total votes: 42,825 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for San Diego City Council District 9
The following candidates ran in the primary for San Diego City Council District 9 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kelvin Barrios (Nonpartisan) | 31.6 | 7,426 | |
| ✔ | | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) | 20.5 | 4,819 |
| Johnny Lee Dang (Nonpartisan) | 14.8 | 3,473 | ||
| Andrew Gade (Nonpartisan) | 9.5 | 2,222 | ||
| Ross Naismith (Nonpartisan) | 8.5 | 1,997 | ||
| Sam Bedwell (Nonpartisan) | 8.5 | 1,986 | ||
| Alex Soto (Nonpartisan) | 6.7 | 1,564 | ||
| Total votes: 23,487 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Elo's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
2018
General election
General election for San Diego Community College District District E
Sean Elo-Rivera defeated David Alvarez in the general election for San Diego Community College District District E on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) | 50.6 | 140,895 |
 | David Alvarez (Nonpartisan) | 49.4 | 137,638 | |
| Total votes: 278,533 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for San Diego Community College District District E
David Alvarez and Sean Elo-Rivera defeated Rafael Perez and Allan Candelore in the primary for San Diego Community College District District E on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David Alvarez (Nonpartisan) | 46.9 | 10,692 |
| ✔ | | Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) | 21.3 | 4,857 |
 | Rafael Perez (Nonpartisan) | 21.2 | 4,834 | |
| Allan Candelore (Nonpartisan) | 10.5 | 2,391 | ||
| Total votes: 22,774 | |||
| = 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 themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sean Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elo-Rivera's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
Protecting against homelessness: - Created a fund to protect seniors and families who are at risk of homelessness - Passed a low to protect against unfair evictions
Cleaning up our community and environment: - Built community partnerships to clean up over 150 tons of trash and plant hundreds of trees - Secured more than $50,000,000 for safer streets, parks and infrastructure - Strengthened rules against pollution
Improving safety, services, and economic opportunity: - Invested in public safety initiatives and community maintenance teams - Kept San Diego amongst America's safest big cities, decreasing violent crime - Supported small businesses and youth employment programs
If re-elected, I will continue fighting for District 9. Together, we can achieve great things, reduce cost of living, adopt smart solutions to our homelessness crisis, neighborhood health and safety, and economic opportunity.- I am committed to my “Housing For All” plan and have prioritized making homes more affordable, providing tenants stability, banning discriminatory practices, and being unrelenting in advocating for the proven practices to address and reduce homelessness.
- I will take bold action to combat the climate crisis and ensure every San Diegan has access to clean air and water, quality parks, and safe streets.
- I will continue to support safety and justice for all San Diegans. This is rooted in the recognition that we all have different needs that should be honored. For some, emergency response is the top priority for safety while others are most concerned about their built environment or knowing that their basic needs are met. This “all of the above” approach has led me to successfully supporting many safety and justice efforts.
- Created a fund to protect seniors and families who are at risk of homelessness
- Passed a low to protect against unfair evictions
Cleaning up our community and environment:
- Built community partnerships to clean up over 150 tons of trash and plant hundreds of trees
- Secured more than $50,000,000 for safer streets, parks and infrastructure
- Strengthened rules against pollution
Improving safety, services, and economic opportunity:
- Invested in public safety initiatives and community maintenance teams
- Kept San Diego amongst America's safest big cities, decreasing violent crime
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
Mayor Todd Gloria
Councilmember Joe LaCava
Councilmember Kent Lee
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
SDIC Labor Council
California Working Families Party
Environmental Health and Justice Coalition
Geysil Arroyo, San Diego Community College District
Bernie Rhinerson, San Diego Community College District
Mary Graham, San Diego Community College District
Maria Nieto Senour, San Diego Community College District
Craig Milgrim, San Diego Community College District
Municipal Employees Association
ASFCME Local 127
AAPI Democratic Club
San Diego Democrats for Equality
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.
2020
Sean Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elo-Rivera's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
- I'm running for City Council because I love this community and believe we can overcome all of our challenges in such a way that will transform America's Finest City for some into a world-class city for all.
- Experienced Leader. Trusted Advocate. Democrat.
- Whether it's prioritizing public health and economic recovery, or ensuring that all families can afford a house to make a home, Sean is focused on bringing San Diego back even stronger.
Housing and Homelessness: Sean's "Housing For All" plan will make homes more affordable, provide tenants stability, ban discriminatory practices, and end homelessness.
Racial Equity: After generations of injustice, this is our moment to right the wrongs of the past and create a better future for all San Diegans.
Clean and Healthy Neighborhoods: At the core of our environmental policy platform is the recognition that we are in the midst of a global climate crisis and the belief that every person deserves to live in a clean and healthy neighborhood with access to nature and open spaces.
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.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sean Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elo-Rivera's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Free College for All - You and your children should be able to earn a college degree without accruing a mountain of debt. Other major cities in California have made community college tuition-free and we can do the same. More Full-time Professors - Our students need more full-time educators and our hardworking professors deserve to make ends meet. Meet Students' Essential Needs - Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation impact a student's ability to learn. I will ensure better connections to existing resources, so our students have access to life's essentials while minimizing cost.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Expanding Access to Opportunity Through Education - Every young person has a right to a high quality education that will allow them a chance to reach their potential. Campaign Finance Reform - From school boards to Congress, every body of government should be free from corruption. Solving the Student Debt Crisis - The higher education system has been rigged against students. There was once a time when earning a college degree was a path to the middle-class. Now, far too often, a degree comes with decades of debt that make owning a home and raising a family a faraway dream. We did better before and can do better again.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Protecting and Improving Student Experience - Each and every college in the District should provide students with all they need to receive the education they seek. Doing this also means ensuring professors and counselors are fully equipped and supported to do their work and earn enough to support their families. Responsible Budgeting - Trustees approve the District's budget and should ensure every dollar is invested wisely. Hiring the Next Chancellor - The Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District is responsible for overseeing the second-largest district in California. Chancellor Carroll has done incredible work and the Trustees must ensure her eventual replacement has the ability to lead the District into its next chapter.
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.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
Top 3 Priorities: Free College for All - You and your children should be able to earn a college degree without accruing a mountain of debt. Other major cities in California have made community college tuition-free and we can do the same. More Full-time Professors - Our students need more full-time educators and our hardworking professors deserve to make ends meet. Meet Students’ Essential Needs - Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation impact a student’s ability to learn. I will ensure better connections to existing resources, so our students have access to life’s essentials while minimizing cost. Political Philosophy: The Opportunity For All Agenda Free College for All Imagine a San Diego where every person knew she or he could attend college without money standing in the way. Where everyone graduates without debt and with the freedom to build the life they’re told is waiting for them after college. Such a future isn’t some faraway dream. It’s within our reach. States such as New York and Rhode Island have guaranteed free community college to their residents. Some California community college districts, including Santa Barbara, are covering the cost of tuition, fees, and required books and supplies. There is no reason we cannot do the same in San Diego. Everyday, I lead and work with a team of dedicated individuals who are tackling huge challenges – the criminal justice system, transportation, and even an election system meant to disenfranchise. I know how to level the playing field and will be relentless about getting the job done for the San Diego Community College District. From day one as a Trustee, I will fight with all of my energy and ability to ensure every San Diegan has the freedom to grow up in a community where cost is never seen as a barrier to college. More Full-Time Professors & Counselors The impact of an over dependence on adjunct faculty at San Diego community colleges isn’t just felt by professors and their families, it is felt by our students. Fact: There are community college teachers and counselors who start their work day in Chula Vista and spend the second half of the day in the City of San Diego. Some travel much further, working campuses as far as Los Angeles County. Each campus requires full-time preparation, full-time attention, and full-time dedication. But more often than not, despite their hard work, these committed and selfless educators can barely make ends meet. They deserve better. So do our students. When a professor has to leave right after class so they can make it to their next campus, students are not given an opportunity to engage with the teacher personally after the lesson, which can make a significant difference in a student reaching their goals. When a counselor has to mentally juggle multiple community college systems, it becomes more difficult to provide the roadmap and support students need to navigate the maze of higher education. San Diego Community College District has taken important steps to address this issue and I am committed to furthering these efforts. Through local and statewide advocacy, we can make even more headway. Meeting Essential Needs for Students & Professors In 2011, in the midst of law school, I was homeless. For weeks, I searched for a safe location to park my car and sleep in order to get a full night’s rest for school each morning. One night in late-November, I was startled by flashing blue and red lights and the sound of police intercoms. I lied in my backseat convinced the police were there to remove me from the car. I had no idea what my penalty would be – maybe a ticket? maybe a night in jail? I didn’t know, but I was certain it wouldn’t be good. Luckily, the police pulled over another car, but I spent the remainder of my night shaken up by the immense lack of security I felt. The next day, I wasn’t at my academic best. Nor was I at my academic best for the remainder of the semester. I was exhausted by the time finals rolled around, putting my scholarship and chances of remaining in law school in jeopardy. My experience with homelessness gave me a first hand perspective on the impact of not having basic needs met. That’s why it is my mission to build bridges from the San Diego Community College District to our local government and non-profit community to do all we can to connect students with the essentials they need to fulfill their potential. Our campuses can and should be hubs for the programs and services that keep students housed, healthy, fed, and with a way to get to school and work. As a proven coalition builder with deep experience identifying potential allies, establishing and maintaining partnerships, and taking projects to the finish line, I will make sure this becomes a reality. Is there anything you would like to add? About Sean: First and foremost, Sean is a son, brother, and committed friend who is fueled by love. His family’s diversity and experiences riding an up-and-down roller coaster in and out of the middle class will forever shape the way Sean sees the world and motivate him to make it better. A first-generation college student, Sean attended Golden West Community College. He then transferred to and earned his bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, where he studied psychology, sociology, and history. While in school, Sean was an award-winning high school swimming and water polo coach. Inspired by President Obama’s historic 2008 Presidential campaign to make a more widespread impact, Sean went abroad and served as an English and Special Needs teacher in Peru and volunteered as environmental preservationist in Ecuador. He then taught English in a rural South Korean community. Sean subsequently came to San Diego to attend California Western School of Law where he was selected to receive a Creative Problem Solving Scholarship. At Cal Western, he served in multiple leadership roles, including president of La Raza Student Association and Amnesty International and as a Student Representative. Inspired by his diverse background and belief in the importance of historically disadvantaged communities working together, Sean also worked to strengthen the Student Diversity Coalition. Sean received a Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Society Award for his work with the City Heights Community Law Project, where he helped bring free legal clinics to schools. Sean now serves as an associate director of a local non-profit organization committed to working with the community to create a healthy, safe, and productive San Diego. In this role, Sean leads a team fighting to create change from the ground up at all levels of government. He is an effective coalition builder who is committed to ensuring the people most impacted by decisions are at the table helping make those decisions.
|
” |
| —Sean Elo[1] | ||
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate San Diego City Council District 9 |
Officeholder San Diego City Council District 9 |
Personal |
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Georgette Gómez |
San Diego City Council District 9 2020-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
San Diego Community College District District E 2019-2021 |
Succeeded by Geysil Arroyo |
| |||||||||
