Salud immigrated from Mexico to Arizona with his family at 5 years old.
by Ross Williams
Salud Carbajal is currently running for reelection to Congress for the Central Coast, California’s 24th district. With a busy schedule and the election right around the corner Mr Carbajal has a lot on his plate and while pressed for time, Salud was able to answer questions with the poise of a polished politician but with a rhythm and cadence similar to that of a fighter finding his rhythm on a speed bag.
Salud immigrated from Mexico to Arizona with his family at 5 years old and is the youngest of 7. His father worked as a miner in Arizona and moved the family to Ventura County after the Mine closed down. From there he found work in the fields of Oxnard, and many summers Salud would work alongside his father. Here Salud experienced the hard work and sacrifice of his parents firsthand.
Salud attended UCSB where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and joined the Marine Corps Reserves. He is married to wife Gina and has two children, a daughter and a son.
Currently finishing his third term in Congress, Salud states that he has always had a deep appreciation of public service. From serving in the Marine Corp Reserves to protecting our democracy and our freedoms, he believes in stepping up and improving the lives of the people around him. Whether it’s healthcare for children, improving our roads and bridges, improving our healthcare system or child care and housing opportunities, he’s proud of this track record and will continue his work on this path.
How do you make your accomplishments come to fruition? How do you work with organizations and groups to make those things happen?
“Firstly, while still in local government, we passed one of the most significant health initiatives to insure children as the central coast had one of the highest rates of uninsured children. I find opportunities to work across the aisle. When you consider that right now the most pressing issue is rising costs to families; whether it be gas, child care, groceries and housing. Addressing these issues as well as drought and water security issues and fire. We can find ways to work together. “
“I proudly stand behind the work I’ve done in upholding our fundamental rights. For women to have access to abortion and reproductive healthcare, making sure ‘They’ are making the decisions over their own bodies. And the rights of the LGBTQ community, making sure they are afforded the same rights as every other resident and citizen of our country. And of course voter rights.”
For your constituents, what do you think is their current version of the American Dream?
“I think it’s the ability to put food on the table, to provide a roof over your head, to be able to pay rent or a mortgage. To provide accessible and quality child care, pay reasonable prices for gas, have good and affordable quality health care, good jobs, economic opportunities and be able to pursue a higher education. That is the American Dream. That everybody can thrive and live up to their potential and be productive citizens.
Addressing the challenges that we face like climate change, drought and fires and water security is vital. I think those are important, but the first is dealing with everyday essentials; hierarchy of needs, food, housing, health care.”
Going into the election, how are you feeling?
“I feel good. I feel I’ve worked hard. I’ve been a good listener. I’ve been accessible. I have a track record of delivering for the Central Coast and I’ve been able to promote the values and priorities of my constituents and that is reflected upon in the accomplishments that I’ve been able to achieve and the investments that I’ve been able to bring. I feel hopeful that the residents of the central coast will again vote for me to continue representing them in Washington, and continue delivering on the issues that are important for the Central Coast.”
