Gonzalo Rocha-Vazquez (he/him)

District Representative, California State Senate 

Office of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (District 39)

Born and raised in the Golden State, Gonzalo Rocha is the son of working-class, Mexican immigrants. Growing up in California's Central Coast and Central Valley, he witnessed first-hand the disparities that exist between urban and rural communities. A first-generation student, Gonzalo transferred from Bakersfield College to the University of California, San Diego. While at UC San Diego, he had the opportunity to participate in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. He credits Thurgood Marshall College for instilling in him a commitment towards community and public service. Gonzalo received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: Comparative Politics and Latin American Studies in 2023.

Currently, Gonzalo serves as a District Representative in the Office of Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins. In this capacity, he manages a policy portfolio centering around Public Safety, Civil Rights, Homeland Security, Immigration, Border Affairs, Refugee, and Latinx issues. He also serves as the Senator's liaison to many Northern, Eastern, and Mid-City Area communities within California's 39th Senate District. Gonzalo proudly spends his days working towards a California for Everyone, as he believes that the Government should serve all members of society—regardless of background, identity, or status. 

Previously, Gonzalo has served on the Bakersfield Youth Commission where he helped advise the City Council by identifying concerns and needs of local youth. He was a Summer 2020 intern in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's Congressional Internship Program, where he completed their Virtual Leadership Program. Outside of work, Gonzalo enjoys training Jiu Jitsu with his 10th Planet teammates.