Jesse Arreguín

Jesse Arreguín is an American politician currently serving as a member of the California State Senate, representing the 7th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been in office since 2024. Prior to his tenure in the state senate, Arreguín served as the mayor of Berkeley, California, from 2016 to 2024. His political career has been marked by a commitment to progressive values, particularly in the areas of housing, social justice, and environmental issues.

Early life and career

Jesse Arreguín was born on September 4, 1984, in Fresno, California. He spent his formative years in San Francisco, where he was raised in a family with deep roots in farm labor; both his parents and grandparents worked as farmworkers. His early engagement in community activism began at a young age when, at the age of nine, he participated in efforts to rename Army Street to Cesar Chavez Street in the historically Latino Mission District of San Francisco. His involvement continued into the 1990s, as he campaigned against attempts to revert the name change, demonstrating an early commitment to social justice and community representation.

Arreguín was the first member of his family to attend college, enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. There, he majored in political science and became actively involved in student government. He served as the City Affairs Director for the Associated Students of the University of California and was elected to the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board in 2004, where he served as chair until 2008. His early political engagement also included roles on the Berkeley Housing Advisory Commission, the Zoning Adjustments Board, and the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee, which laid the groundwork for his future political career.

Legislative service

Arreguín's legislative career began in earnest when he was elected to the Berkeley City Council, representing District 4 from 2008 to 2016. During his two terms on the council, he was a prolific legislator, drafting and passing over 300 pieces of legislation. His work included significant contributions to local policy, such as increasing the city's minimum wage to $15, co-authoring the Downtown Area Plan, and implementing the Affordable Housing Mitigation Fee aimed at funding affordable housing projects. He also played a role in police reform initiatives that arose in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and was instrumental in efforts to preserve the historic Main Post Office in Berkeley.

In 2015, Arreguín announced his candidacy for mayor of Berkeley, entering a competitive race with seven other candidates. His campaign received endorsements from notable figures and organizations, including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and the Sierra Club. He won the mayoral election with a majority of the votes after ranked-choice tabulation, becoming the second-youngest mayor in Berkeley's history at the age of 32. He was sworn in on December 1, 2016, and in his inaugural address, he emphasized the need for Berkeley to lead in progressive values, particularly in light of national political developments.

Arreguín was re-elected in 2020, securing a significant majority of the vote against three opponents. His tenure as mayor was marked by various initiatives and challenges, including managing the city's response to controversial speakers and demonstrations, which garnered national attention. In November 2024, he resigned from the mayoralty to assume his position in the California State Senate.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Arreguín represents the 7th district of California, a region that includes diverse communities with varying needs and priorities. His policy focus continues to reflect his progressive ideals, particularly in areas such as housing, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Arreguín has been an advocate for addressing the California housing crisis, shifting from previous support for limits on housing development to endorsing denser urban development and the elimination of zoning restrictions for single-family homes. This change in stance underscores his commitment to finding solutions to the state's housing challenges.

In addition to housing, Arreguín has been active in promoting animal rights and welfare. Under his leadership, Berkeley became the second city in the United States to ban the sale of new fur products. He received recognition from animal rights organizations for this initiative. Furthermore, he co-authored a resolution aimed at increasing plant-based food options at city events and reducing expenditures on animal-based foods, marking a significant step in promoting sustainable practices within local government.

Arreguín's legislative priorities also include a strong emphasis on social justice issues, reflecting his long-standing commitment to equity and community empowerment. His work on the Berkeley City Council and as mayor has established him as a prominent figure in local governance, advocating for policies that aim to uplift marginalized communities and address systemic inequalities.

Overall, Jesse Arreguín's career is characterized by a dedication to public service and a focus on progressive policies that seek to improve the quality of life for residents in his district and beyond. As he continues his work in the California State Senate, he remains a significant voice in the ongoing discussions surrounding housing, social justice, and environmental issues in the state.