Vote for proven leadership, experience, and vision
Elect the candidate grounded in making informed decisions.
Aurelio Salazar, Jr. has over 20 years of nonprofit and governmental experience with a proven tract record of representing his constituents.
About
Aurelio Salazar, Jr. was born in Ontario, Oregon and the son of two farm workers. After the sudden death of his father from a heart attack, his mother and older sister moved to Salinas, California in 1984. Three years later, his mother passed away after a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Orphaned by the age 13, Aurelio grew up faster than his peers and has lived a life with over 25 years of public service.
Aurelio received his Associates degree from Hartnell College in 1995, Bachelors degree from San Diego State University in 1999, and Master’s degree from San Jose State University in 2019. He has also received two Certificates from Cornell University’s eCornell in Public Sector Leadership, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Aurelio is married to Carina Chavez and they have an eight-year-old son (Joaquin Aurelio) and five-year-old daughter (Sofia Raquel).
Experience
Aurelio Salazar, Jr. has over 20 years of nonprofit and governmental experience including President of the Hartnell College Board of Trustees, Chair of the Monterey County Planning Commission, and member of the Measure G Oversight Committee for the City of Salinas.
Priorities
As a current elected official, Aurelio has provided sound governance, fiscal oversight, and direction over the day-to-day operations of Hartnell Community College. As a member of the Salinas City Council, Aurelio’s top priorities are:
Addressing the homeless crisis in District 6 and city at-large
Addressing Traffic on Boronda Road
Develop a plan to fix broken and uneven sidewalks
Advocate and secure funding for a new public library, park, and community center
Secure additional funding and resources for the police department, a new fire station, and public works
Develop a Master Plan for the future growth area to include walkable neighborhoods, shopping, and employment opportunities
Endorsements
Aurelio is endorsed by a broad range of leaders from the educational, medical, agricultural, nonprofit, faith, governmental, and other workforce sectors. If you would like to endorse Aurelio or keep up-to-date with our endorsement list visit our endorsement page.
Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved in this campaign including: phone banking, posting a yard sign or 4’ X 8’ campaign sign, hosting an online meet-and-greet, writing a letter to the editor, making a formal endorsement, posting on social media, hosting a fundraiser, and/or making a campaign contribution.
Donate
Whether you are a traditional check writer or tech-savvy donor there are several ways to make a campaign contribution. Hit our donate button to make a donation towards our campaign.
“Aurelio is the elected official who takes the time to listen to his constituents and make an informed decision. His patience, analytical skills, and commitment to student success makes him an effective leader .”
— Pat Donohue, Vice Presidnet - Hartnell Community College
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