Melissa Melendez

Melissa Melendez is an American politician and United States Navy veteran serving as a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors representing the 3rd District. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the California State Legislature, first in the State Assembly for the 67th district and later in the State Senate for the 28th district. Her political career has been marked by advocacy for veterans' issues, government transparency, and public safety.

Early life and education

Melissa Melendez was born on July 4, 1968, in San Diego, California. She enlisted in the United States Navy after high school, serving as a petty officer second class and working as a Russian linguist for the Naval Security Group. Following her military service, she utilized the G.I. Bill to further her education, earning a degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. Her early career included work in the private sector and involvement in local community and political organizations in Riverside County.

Political career

Melendez began her elected political career on the Lake Elsinore City Council, where she also served as mayor. In 2012, she was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 67th district, which encompassed parts of Riverside County including Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and Wildomar. In the Assembly, she served as Vice Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee and was a member of the Public Safety Committee. In May 2020, she was appointed to the California State Senate to fill the vacancy left by Jeff Stone, representing the 28th district. After a short tenure in the Senate, she was elected in November 2020 to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, succeeding Chuck Washington.

Electoral history

Melendez won her first election to the Lake Elsinore City Council in 2008. She was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012, defeating Democrat Phil Paule, and was re-elected in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In a 2020 special election for the State Senate seat, she defeated Democrat Elizabeth Romero. Later that same year, she won the nonpartisan race for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors 3rd District seat against incumbent Chuck Washington. She was re-elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024.

Political positions

A conservative Republican, Melendez has been a vocal critic of the state governor's emergency powers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has authored legislation focused on government accountability, such as bills to expand the California Public Records Act. She is a strong advocate for veterans, having worked on issues related to the VA and veteran suicide prevention. Her other legislative priorities have included opposing tax increases, supporting law enforcement agencies, and promoting water resources policies favorable to Riverside County agriculture. She has been endorsed by organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

Personal life

Melendez is married to David Melendez, a retired Los Angeles Police Department sergeant. They have five children and reside in Lake Elsinore. She is an active member of the local community, participating in events with organizations like the American Legion and the Boy Scouts of America. Her background as a Navy veteran continues to influence her public service and policy focus. Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:California Republicans Category:Members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Category:California state senators Category:California city council members Category:United States Navy personnel