A proud Whittier native, Dr. Vanessa Tyson currently teaches in the Department of Politics at Scripps College in nearby Claremont. Her courses include Introduction to Public Policy; Women and Public Policy; Environmental Policy in the US; Black Americans and the Political System; and Marginalized Communities.

Dr. Tyson’s first book, Twists of Fate: Multiracial Coalitions and Minority Representation in the US House of Representatives (Oxford University Press, 2016), explored structural inequality in the United States, and how members of Congress have formed multiracial coalitions (particularly among Black, Latinx, Asian American Pacific Islander Representatives) as an improved strategy to provide for their diverse constituencies. 

An expert on sexual violence, policy formulation, race, gender, environment, and social justice, Dr. Tyson has an extensive background in both US and California politics. Tyson spent years working as an advocate for sexual violence awareness and prevention, serving as one of the founding members of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Survivor Speakers’ Bureau, and starting a self-esteem/self-awareness program for female juvenile offenders through the Department of Youth Services in the State of Massachusetts. Tyson has been featured in US News and World Report, the Sacramento Bee, NPR, The Huffington Post, and many other news outlets.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Tyson graduated from La Serna High School in Whittier in 1994, where she was raised by a single mother. She has a bachelor's degree from Princeton University in politics, coupled with a certificate in African American Studies, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in political science. In past years, she has won numerous awards for teaching and scholarship, including prestigious research fellowships from both UCLA (2014-15) and Stanford University (2018-19).

In October 2019, Dr. Tyson received the “Visionary Award” from the American Psychological Foundation for both her advocacy and research on sexual violence.

Primo Castro is a proven community leader who is dedicated to advocating for working families and investing in the community.  As a dedicated public servant for nearly 20 years, Primo Castro has worked to enhance opportunities and resources to numerous communities.

Primo’s track record of service is seen in his professional and community work. Primo serves as a Cancer Patient Advocate for a prominent and global cancer prevention & research advocacy organization where he is charged with championing for policies that aim to protect the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.  Primo’s mother died from cancer when she was 44 years old.  The love for his mother empowered him to serve as a cancer patient advocate to provide countless families the power to be a voice at the federal, state and local levels of government.

Primo has worked for the California State Assembly, Senate, and Secretary of State.  He understands how laws are created and passed and will advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for residents in the 57th and across the state of California. With over a decade of experience working in the California State Legislature, Primo has been instrumental in bringing much needed resources to communities from throughout Southern California.  He has cultivated relationships, developed partnerships that expand opportunities in areas of education, worker protections, housing, employment, transportation, and business development.

Dedicated to serving others, Primo is involved in the community with programs aimed at engaging students in learning, providing safe and healthy environments, and overall enhancing the quality of life for youth and families. Primo has served on various committees and commissions which promote health equity, civic engagement and opportunities for marginalized communities.

Primo is the proud son of immigrants and is a first-generation college graduate leading the way for his siblings and extended family.  Primo obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State Long Beach.  Primo is a father to four strong and talented young ladies--Madison Eva, Sofia Taylor, the twins Julia Kennedy and Lourdes Carter. Melba serves as the Dean of Student Success at a community college in the 57th Assembly District.

Dora Sandoval is a long-time resident of the City of Norwalk and the AD57. Dora married 23 years ago and bought her first home in Paramount.  In 2001, they sold their home in Paramount and moved to Norwalk where they started a family. Dora and her husband have been raising their three beautiful daughters.

Currently, Dora is a Board Member of the Little Lake City School District, which serves the cities of Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs and Downey.  She was first elected to the Board of Education in November 2015. Dora is a product of public education. She is a former student of Lakeside Middle School and Santa Fe High School. 

Dora is an advocate for her community and surrounding cities and is very involved. She has served as chairperson of the Lake Center School Site Council, a member of the Lakeview PTA, SSC, and a member of the District Advisory Council.  She is currently on the board of directors of the Little Lake Educational Advancement Foundation, and also on the CSBA Delegate Assembly and was one of the Board of Directors of the CLSBA.

In addition to her participation in the school district, her civic contributions include service on the Norwalk Public Safety and Social Services Commissions, a member in the Soroptimist International of Santa Fe Springs/Norwalk and Past President of the Norwalk Lion's Club. Dora is also a founding member of Mujeres Extraordinarias, Co-Chair of the Young Latinas Empowerment Conference, is on the Committee for Miss Santa Fe Springs pageant, on the Norwalk Education Alliance committee and serves as a Liaison to  Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.   Dora has also offered free assistance to residents in preparing their income tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Santa Fe Springs.

Dora is running for State Assembly to be a leader in the fight for more education funding, quality schools, career technical education and affordable college.  In addition, Dora wants to work towards affordable housing and access to mental health care.

As a member of the school board, Dora has seen first-hand how the life of students are disrupted because of the lack of access to mental health resources.  Currently, school districts and cities are limited to these types of resources. 

Not only do we have an immense need at our schools, but our cities as well.  The homeless epidemic also needs these resources.  Dora wants to work to identify the reasons of  homelessness.  She would like to better assist people with not only affordable housing, but with jobs, healthcare, mental health and rehab centers.  These resources are critical in addressing and tackling the homeless crisis.