Congressmember Lou Correa announced on February 5, 2025, his endorsement of Assemblymember Avelino Valencia for State Senate. Congressman Correa has represented the 46th congressional district since 2017, including the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of Orange.

Congressmember Correa released the following statement regarding his endorsement:

“I’m proud to endorse Assemblymember Avelino Valencia for State Senate. Avelino has consistently demonstrated bold leadership and a clear commitment to improving the lives of Californians. Avelino shows up for the Orange County communities we represent, and his work to bring transparency and accountability to government reflects the values we need in Sacramento.”

Lou Correa, who is one of the best-known Democratic politicians in Orange County, is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. He previously represented District 34 in the California State Senate from 2006 to 2014. He has also represented many of the same Orange County communities in the State Assembly and on the Board of Supervisors. 

Assemblymember Avelino Valencia

ABOUT AVELINO VALENCIA

Avelino Valencia was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022 and reelected in November 2024 to represent the 68th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Orange. Since his election, Avelino has championed historic legislation to reduce homelessness, create high-paying jobs, protect public safety, combat gun violence, fight government corruption, and protect taxpayer funds. He serves as the Chair of the Banking and Finance Committee, and as a member of the committees on 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 the District Director for State Assemblymember Tom Daly. Avelino also served as Chairman of Anaheim’s Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission.

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. After playing college football and briefly pursuing a career in the National Football League (NFL), he coached at Fullerton College.

Avelino is married to this high school sweetheart, Dr. Monica Valencia, who is a local elementary school principal.

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Paid for by Avelino Valencia for State Senate