SummaryIn 2022, Francisco Diaz made history as the youngest elected County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters in both San Benito County and the State of California. Today, he leverages his professional certifications from the California State Association of Counties, County Recorders Association of California, and the National Association of Election Officials to champion transparent and accessible elections.
BackgroundBorn and raised in Watsonville, California, Francisco’s life has been shaped by strong faith, close family ties, and a deep connection to community. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance by witnessing his father’s work as an immigrant cleaning carpets and his mother’s dedication as a union advocate and home daycare provider.
By the age of 14, Francisco was contributing to his family through work in agriculture, construction, and janitorial services. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a lasting commitment to service.
He went on to attend Saint Mary’s College of California, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. During this time, internships with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area and the Lasallian Service Catholic Faith Ministry in Wisconsin further shaped his dedication to community service and social responsibility.
Francisco began his professional career as a Labor Relations Representative with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) in Stockton, where he worked to support classified school employees and advocate for fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections. This experience reinforced his belief in fairness, dignity in the workplace, and the importance of collective voice.
As County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters for San Benito County, Francisco has focused on improving and modernizing election and record-keeping processes, with an emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accessibility so that every voter can participate with confidence. While serving in this role, he also earned a Master of Public Administration in fiscal management from Norwich University, graduating with honors.
Outside of his official duties, Francisco remains committed to community engagement. He serves as a Board Director for the Community Services Development Corporation (CSDC), Sergeant-at-Arms for LULAC Council 2890, and is a member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista.
Francisco and his fiancée, Celina Stotler, share a commitment to a grounded, sustainable country lifestyle and are building a home with chickens and cows.