Navy veteran and former Marine Corps officer Joseph Rochawho previously ran races for Congress and the state Senate, announced Thursday his candidacy for the 76 Assembly Districts in 2024.
“Now I am running for the State Council to put duty and service before the individual and to do things for the people of our community,” said Rocha.
“North Inland San Diego County and California are struggling with many challenges, from housing and homelessness to the emergency of climate change, the need for higher wages and more middle-class jobs, investment in schools of the government, increasing access to health, safety. neighborhood and a more just society for all communities,” he said.
Rocha, a Democrat, has already picked up several party endorsements, including from Sens. Steve Padilla, Susan Eggman and Scott Wiener.
“The hardworking communities in the Northern Province should have a leader like Joseph who will raise his hands and work just like they did,” said Padilla.
The seat is currently held by Brian Mainenscheinwho changed party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, and is now serving his final term in the Assembly.
Rocha is a Navy veteran who was deployed to the Persian Gulf as a bombardier before being discharged under the policy. of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. After his release, he helped repeal that policy.
After law school, Rocha returned to service as an officer in the Marine Corps, where he served seven years as a judge advocate and completed his military career as a lawyer.
He ran for Congress against Rep. Darrell Issa, but left the race after reserving and running unsuccessfully for the state Senate against Brian Jones in 2022.