In just two years in the State Assembly, Dr. Joaquin Arambula has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for families and children, with a focus on attaining equitable health care for all in California.

Arambula proudly represents District 31 in Fresno County and is the first Latino physician elected to the State Assembly.

In addition to health care and mental health services, Arambula has worked diligently to bring more water to the Central Valley and improve public safety, air quality, services for veterans, and job opportunities.

His experiences as an emergency room doctor in Selma were profound and forged his determination that the most vulnerable in our communities receive quality care. He saw too many patients struggling with illnesses, many of which could have been prevented with better access to equitable health care.

The Central Valley faces a critical shortage of doctors and health care professionals. Arambula is a forceful advocate to build a medical school in the region and successfully authored legislation that made permanent Fresno State's ability – and other existing programs in the California State University system – to award doctorate of nursing degrees. This will increase the number of nursing professors who can train more nurses.

In fact, Arambula has helped secure millions of dollars in health care funds for our region. This not only includes increasing access to services for low-income residents but establishing the Diabetes Prevention Program, creating a grant program for small and rural health clinics, addressing the opioid crisis and much more.

On other fronts, he's an outspoken proponent to build Temperance Flat Dam, which would ensure the Central Valley's water needs are met and that its communities have access to clean drinking water. He also is fighting to make the San Joaquin River Parkway a reality.

He has worked hard to bring tens of millions of dollars to the region, including $70 million for economic development rooted in “green” projects that include affordable housing; $18 million for safety improvements to Highway 269 near Huron; $10.5 million for public safety projects in Selma, Huron, Firebaugh and Mendota; and $6 million for the CalFood program to assist food banks.

Arambula also has been named to significant committee assignments that include co-chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Health Care Delivery Systems and Universal Coverage, a member of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, and an ex-officio member of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board.

Arambula was born in Delano and grew up in Fresno, where he attended public schools. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine and the University of Minnesota Medical School. He wanted to return to Fresno to serve his community as a doctor.

He is the son of Juan and Amy Arambula, parents who instilled in their children a commitment to hard work, purpose and public service. Juan is a former Assemblymember and Amy is a health care advocate.

Dr. Joaquin Arambula and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Fresno with their three daughters.

Lupe Espinoza was raised in the Central Valley; she and her family still live and work in Coalinga. After graduating, from Fresno state with a double major in Agricultural Education and Chicano/Latino studies, Lupe went on to earn her Master’s in Education and Counseling.

Lupe is a precollege program Project Director within the University of California system, where she gives valuable advice to students seeking their career path.

Lupe has volunteered at youth events, small business endeavors, and community fundraisers throughout her career.

As a candidate, Lupe seeks to lower the tax burden, fight legislation that is harmful to small businesses and communities, increase funding for after school programs and improve access to water for all residents of California. Additionally, Lupe wishes to increase funding for mental health services and improve rural support for our nation’s veterans.