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 roots are deeply intertwined with faith, family, and community. He learned the meaning of hard work early, watching his immigrant father tirelessly clean carpets and his mother champion workers' rights as a union advocate while running a home daycare.
By just 14, Francisco was already contributing to his family, taking on jobs in agriculture, construction, and janitorial work. These early experiences forged his powerful work ethic and a lifelong dedication to service.
Francisco pursued higher education at Saint Mary's College of California, earning a bachelor's degree in political science and history. His internships with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area and the Lasallian Service Catholic Faith Ministry in Wisconsin deepened his commitment to social justice and community advocacy.
His professional journey began as a Labor Relations Representative for the California School Employees Association (CSEA) in Stockton. There, he successfully negotiated for better wages, benefits, and protections for classified school employees, solidifying his belief in economic fairness and the power of collective bargaining.
As County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, Francisco has been a dynamic force for progress in San Benito County. He has successfully spearheaded reforms to modernize ballot audits and streamline voter registration, ensuring election integrity, transparency, and accessibility so that every voice in the community is heard. While serving in this demanding role, he further honed his expertise by earning a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on fiscal management from Norwich University, graduating with honors.
Beyond his official duties, Francisco is deeply involved in various community initiatives. He serves as a Board Director for the Community Services Development Corporation (CSDC), Sergeant-at-Arms for LULAC Council 2890, and a member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista.
Francisco and his partner, Celina Stotler, share a deep commitment to sustainable living. They are actively planning to build a country home with animals, including cows, goats, ducks, and chickens.