Wendy Carrillo

Wendy Carrillo is a former member of the California State Assembly, representing the 51st district from 2017 to 2022. A member of the California Democratic Party, Carrillo is notable for being the first Salvadoran immigrant and the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in the California State Assembly. Her political career has been marked by a commitment to progressive values and community engagement, particularly in the areas of labor rights and social justice.

Early life and career

Wendy Carrillo was born on August 10, 1980, in El Salvador. She is the eldest of five daughters in her family. Carrillo's early life was significantly shaped by the civil war in El Salvador, which prompted her mother to immigrate to the United States in search of safety and better opportunities. Initially, Carrillo remained in El Salvador with her grandmother and aunt until her mother was able to secure enough resources to bring her to the United States when Carrillo was five years old. The family settled in Los Angeles, where Carrillo grew up in the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and City Terrace.

Carrillo's educational journey began in local schools, including Harrison Elementary, El Sereno Middle School, and Roosevelt High School. At the age of 13, she gained residency status in the United States after her father filed a petition on her behalf. By the time she was 21, Carrillo pursued naturalization and successfully became a U.S. citizen.

In terms of higher education, Carrillo attended East Los Angeles College and later transferred to California State University, Los Angeles. She furthered her studies at the University of Southern California, where she earned a master's degree with a focus on demography and politics.

Before entering politics, Carrillo had a diverse career in media and communications. She spent a decade as the host and executive producer of a community radio program titled "Knowledge is Power" on KPWR 106 FM. Additionally, she worked as a writer and producer for Nuvo TV and contributed to various media outlets, including Pivot's Take Part Live, Huff Post Live, The Young Turks' The Point, and Al Jazeera America. In 2014, she co-founded Reported.ly, a social media startup dedicated to covering issues related to conflict, human rights, and political movements. Carrillo also served as a communications manager for Local 271, the Los Angeles affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.

In 2017, Carrillo sought to enter the political arena by running for the seat vacated by Congressman Xavier Becerra, who had been appointed as California's Attorney General. However, she received a minority of the votes in that race, ultimately losing to Jimmy Gomez and Robert Lee Ahn.

Legislative service

Following Jimmy Gomez's resignation from the California State Assembly to take his seat in the United States House of Representatives, Carrillo announced her candidacy to fill the vacancy in the 51st district. In the special election held on October 3, 2017, she garnered 22.2% of the vote, which allowed her to advance to the general election. In the subsequent election on December 5, 2017, Carrillo defeated her opponent, Luis Lopez, securing 53.5% of the vote and officially taking office shortly thereafter.

During her time in the Assembly, Carrillo was re-elected in 2018, where she faced a libertarian candidate and won decisively, receiving 86.6% of the vote. In 2020, she ran unopposed in both the primary and general elections, reflecting her strong support within her district.

Carrillo's tenure in the Assembly was not without controversy. In October 2022, allegations surfaced involving a canvasser for her campaign making inappropriate comments about Asian American candidates during a campaign event. Both Carrillo's and Gomez's campaigns issued apologies and took steps to address the situation.

In June 2023, Carrillo was arrested during a protest organized by UNITE HERE Local 11 after she refused to disperse when instructed by law enforcement. This incident highlighted her active engagement in labor issues and her willingness to stand in solidarity with workers.

In April 2023, Carrillo announced her intention to run for the Los Angeles City Council in District 14, opting not to seek re-election for her Assembly seat. The election took place on March 5, 2024, where she received 15% of the vote.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Carrillo was known for her commitment to progressive policies and advocacy for marginalized communities. As a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, she focused on issues such as labor rights, social justice, and immigrant rights. Her background as an immigrant and her personal experiences informed her policy priorities, making her a vocal advocate for policies that support working families and promote equity.

Carrillo represented California's 51st Assembly District, which includes parts of northeastern Los Angeles and East Los Angeles. This district is characterized by its diverse population, with a significant number of residents identifying as Latino and immigrant communities. Carrillo's representation was significant not only because of her own immigrant background but also because she aimed to amplify the voices of her constituents, many of whom faced challenges related to economic inequality and access to essential services.

In addition to her legislative work, Carrillo's media background allowed her to communicate effectively with her constituents, using various platforms to engage with the community and raise awareness about important issues. Her experience in media also contributed to her ability to navigate the complexities of political communication and public engagement.

Carrillo's political journey reflects the broader narrative of immigrant experiences in the United States, particularly in California, where diverse communities continue to shape the political landscape. Her tenure in the California State Assembly serves as an example of how personal history and professional experience can intersect in the realm of public service.