Anaheim Councilmember Avelino Valencia Announces Campaign for State Assembly

Assemblymember Tom Daly, Congressman Lou Correa, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris announce immediate endorsements of Valencia

Anaheim, CA – Anaheim City Councilmember Avelino Valencia announced his campaign for California’s 68th State Assembly District today. Valencia is running to succeed Assemblymember Tom Daly, who announced earlier today that he will not seek a 6th term in the Assembly. Valencia currently serves as Daly’s District Director.

In announcing his campaign, Valencia released the following statement:

“I’m running for State Assembly because Orange County deserves an experienced and reliable legislator  who has a laser-focus on delivering results and improving government efficiency. My background and career are rooted here, and I believe my experiences have equipped me to be an effective State Assemblymember for the residents of Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana. In the Assembly, I’ll listen, work hard, and build the coalitions needed to reduce homelessness, protect public health, improve schools, restore lost jobs, decrease crime, combat climate change, and enhance infrastructure. Few of the challenges we face are simple, but none are insoluble. I’m excited to launch my campaign, and I’m looking forward to the many conversations that lay ahead.”

Valencia’s campaign has already been endorsed by Assemblymember Tom Daly, Congressman Lou Correa, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris. In announcing his support for Valencia, Daly remarked:

“Councilmember Avelino Valencia has the experience, values, and work ethic needed to deliver results for Orange County.   He’s the kind of leader who listens more than he talks, and we need more of that in Sacramento. As our State Assemblymember, he’ll fight to enact policies that reduce homelessness, fully fund schools, protect our environment, expand healthcare access, and create good-paying jobs. Avelino is the best choice to succeed me in the State Assembly.”

Avelino Valencia is an Anaheim City Councilmember who has worked to reduce homelessness, make neighborhoods safer, increase park space, improve government efficiency, and speed up the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Professionally, he works as the District Director for State Assemblymember Tom Daly. Avelino also served as Chairman of Anaheim’s Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission.

Avelino grew up in Orange County, the son of immigrant parents who built a successful small business. He attended local public schools and earned an associate degree from Fullerton College, a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, and a master’s degree in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University. After playing college football and briefly pursuing a career in the National Football League (NFL), he coached at Fullerton College.

Avelino is married to this high school sweetheart, Dr. Monica Valencia, who is a local elementary school vice principal.