Imperial, CA — Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) was named 2026 Veteran of the Year this past weekend by the Calexico Baja Runners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, youth, and families across Imperial County.
A 21-year combat Marine Corps veteran and Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3), Gonzalez completed combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served as a senior advisor and mentor to junior Marines while overseeing complex operations.
“I’m truly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Gonzalez. “This isn’t about me—it’s about the Marines I served with, especially those we lost. I carry them with me every day, and I will never stop fighting for my brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform.”
Gonzalez currently serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, is a founding member of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, and is the only veteran serving in the California State Assembly.
His legislative work this year includes AB 2022, which would provide property tax relief for disabled veterans on their primary residence, and co-authored bills including Senator Archuleta’s SB 1407, exempting veterans’ retirement income from state taxes, and Assemblyman Lowenthal’s AB 2489, exploring expanded treatment options for veterans facing service-related trauma.
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