Meet the 5 candidates for Assembly District 53 in the March election

Assembly District 53 includes Montclair and Pomona, along with parts of Chino, Ontario and Upland.

Since 2014, the district has been represented by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, D-pomona. Unable to seek another term due to term limits, Rodriguez is running for mayor of Pomona instead.

Four Democrats — including Rodriguez’s wife, Michelle Rodriguez, and Pomona City Councilmember Robert Torres, son of Rep. Norma Torres, D-pomona — and one Republican now seek to replace Rodriguez in the Assembly.

Candidates are listed in this article in the order in which they will appear on the March 5 ballot, as determined by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. We asked all candidates the same questions. Below are their responses.

Javier Hernandez, Democrat

Occupation: Nonprofit executive director

Website: Hernandez4assembly.com

Campaign donations: $235,250.28 as of Feb. 6

If elected, what would you do to respond to the housing crisis in the district?

“I will act to respond to our housing crisis on three fronts: protecting renters and existing housing options, building more affordable housing, and investing in resources that will transition our unhoused population into sustainable lives. I will pass legislation to protect renters and secure funds to build new affordable housing. I will invest in mental health facilities and addiction treatment services for vulnerable unhoused communities to transition them into sustainable housing.”

What would you do in the Legislature to address crime in the district?

“As an Assemblymember, I will prioritize common sense, community-driven solutions that bring permanent change and tackle the root causes of crime. I will invest in community resources to ensure we have safe, livable neighborhoods, including youth services and mental health services that prioritize crime prevention and set our residents up for success. By bolstering programs and creating opportunities for our residents, we can reduce crime and enhance quality of life.”

What would you do, if elected, to improve the district's employment and job prospects?

“As an Assemblymember I will work to bring good paying jobs to AD53. I’ll expand career technical education programs for all residents. I’ll invest in our infrastructure to attract high quality good-paying green jobs to our district, advocate for protections for all workers to organize without fear of intimidation or retaliation, and fight to ensure workers have livable wages. I’ll secure resources to support small businesses and local entrepreneurs to create high road employment opportunities.”

Robert Torres, Democrat

Occupation: Pomona City

Council member

Website: Roberttorres.org

Campaign donations: $251,407.82 as of Feb. 6

If elected, what would you do to respond to the housing crisis in the district?

“We need new ideas and a fresh approach to deal with the affordable housing