ABOUT AVELINO
Avelino Valencia has represented Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana in the State Assembly since 2022. In this role, he’s championed historic legislation to reduce homelessness, create high-paying jobs, ensure public safety, combat gun violence, fight government corruption, and protect taxpayer funds.
Avelino is Chair of the Assembly’s Banking and Finance Committee, and he serves on the following standing committees: Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism; Governmental Organization; Insurance; and Military and Veterans Affairs. Avelino is also a member of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and the California Native American Legislative Caucus.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Avelino served as an Anaheim City Councilmember and as Chairman of Anaheim’s Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission. He also held various roles within state government and coached football at Fullerton College.
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. Avelino was a student athlete in college who briefly pursued a career in the National Football League after graduating.
Avelino is married to this high school sweetheart, Dr. Monica Valencia, who is a local elementary school principal.
LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the State Assembly, Avelino has authored important legislation to:
-
Stop politicians who commit fraud or other public crimes from using campaign money for their legal defense. (AB 2803)
-
Protect consumers by allowing them to opt-out of having their data sold or shared during corporate mergers (AB 1824)
-
Eliminate a gun purchase loophole that allows private party transactions to bypass the state’s mandated waiting period. (AB 1483)
-
Create an independent redistricting commission in Orange County to eliminate partisan gerrymandering in supervisorial districts. (AB 34)
-
Address the healthcare provider shortage by making it easier for individuals to be trained and certified as a nursing assistant. (AB 2131)
FIGHTING CORRUPTION
As a member of the Anaheim City Council, Avelino spoke out and voted against former Mayor Harry Sidhu’s effort to sell Angel Stadium for below market value. The failed attempt to sell the stadium ended with FBI raids at City Hall and Sidhu going to prison. When details of the corruption emerged, Avelino was the first elected leader to publicly call on Sidhu to resign from office.
Since his election to the State Assembly, Avelino has continued his fight against public corruption in Orange County. He launched an emergency Audit of the City of Anaheim related to funds Sidhu had directed. Avelino also authored important new laws to eliminate partisan gerrymandering on the O.C. Board of Supervisors and stop politicians who commit crimes from being able to use campaign money in their legal defense. In response to the Andrew Do scandal, Avelino authored a law to require public oversight of discretionary funds that Orange County Supervisors control.