Victor Flores For Delegate AD-18

As your delegate I’m committed to representing our communities in Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland, fighting for your needs and values. My priorities will focus on pushing the Party to support substantive justice reform, environmental justice, equitable housing policies, M4A, and economic equity. In a state with an abundance of resources, the Democratic Party should be the advocate of working class people who have all of the resources they need to reach their dreams.

A son of 2 Mexican immigrants, I was born in Oakland, raised in Fruitvale, and incarcerated from the age of 17-25 costing me the “formative years” of my life. Those years helped me recognize that my experiences weren’t unique; but results of decades of discrimination, community divestment, and political disenfranchisement. During my incarceration, I came to appreciate political engagement. Seeing the changes in legislation that provided second opportunities for people like me, could unravel systems of marginalization. This realization came at a time when I was devoid of my rights but I knew, even if I could not vote, I could encourage and educate others to engage in this critical democratic act.

The belief of voting being crucial for self-determination, informed my work, and efforts post-incarceration. In early 2019, I authored a resolution for the Oakland City Council in support of the Assembly “Free to Vote Act” which would allow Californian parolees the right to vote. Being on parole, without the right to vote, this was a moment that proved to me an individual that was system-impacted could write and inform these very systems. I’ve also worked on campaigns to provide additional funding for children and their families in Alameda County.

In the last two years since I was first appointed a delegate, I’ve completed my Bachelor’s Degree from Cal, worked on Climate Resilience, and housing to help create vibrant communities where everyone can benefit. Having lived with up to five family members in a one-bedroom apartment that my family could only afford because of rent-control, I know how difficult it is for too many people. These experiences drive my belief that housing is a human right which impacts every facet of life. In the face of growing inequities, overt-racism, and outright political violence, I want to be at the forefront for our community to push our party, state, and country forward.