From a young age, I was fascinated with astronomy and physics, and I’ve always wanted to use my skills to support communities. Through the mentorship of my father and my teachers, I was gripped by the depth and interconnection of history and politics. Hungry for knowledge and eager to share it, I became my high school’s Quiz Bowl Club President and a lead writer for my school’s newspaper. 

I was accepted to the U of M, and after relocating to Minnesota from Texas, I was eager to pursue my lifelong dream of studying astrophysics. Unfortunately, in my freshman year, a close relative suffered life-threatening health complications, and a close friend passed away. I’ve struggled with mental health, and after my first year, I needed time off from my studies. However, my drive to serve the community didn’t stop there. 

After working as a fellow on the Walz-Flanagan campaign, I was an intern in the Minnesota Senate. There, I witnessed firsthand how deeply the passage of Drivers’ Licenses for All inspired and uplifted my community. Invigorated, I became intimately familiar with the state’s legislative process through my work on drafting and reintroducing the North STAR Act, aimed at protecting and empowering immigrants. I joined the Center for Popular Democracy’s Hill Champion program, visiting DC for federal advocacy trips while at the U, where I switched to sociology to further inform my work. 

After continuing my legislative and legal work on the North STAR Act, I was heartbroken to see it fail, knowing the threat a Trump presidency would pose for the people closest to me. Through all my organizing experiences, I am deeply troubled and infuriated by the sheer scope of systemic oppression and the inaction that enables it. I understand and experienced how the foundations of hatred permeate significant struggle in all aspects of people’s lives, preventing the most brilliant people from achieving their greatest potential.

I will fight to dismantle those foundations for my loved ones, my community, and for a brighter future. I decided to run for City Council for exactly that reason. As the son of Mexican immigrants, I am proud of my heritage and proud to represent my lineage and fellow immigrant communities. I will center my campaign on immigrant justice while championing the issues I’m passionate about: climate, housing, transit, healthcare, and education because I know how interconnected these issues are. When we lift up just one person, we lift up the entire community.