Representing Hayward, Newark & Fairview

Endorsed by 40+ orgs & elected leaders including Democrats, Labor, and Bus Operators

Jesse’s Priorities

Improving Safety, Service & Accessibility✅

Jesse is committed to working alongside residents to ensure that the AC Transit’s decisions speak to the needs of all of its riders.

Make buses safer for riders and drivers by integrating and coordinating with local emergency services.
Increase frequency and reliability to make sure our buses are on time and our schedules match actual travel times, so the bus arrives when expected.
Install more seating, lighting, & shelter at bus stops to improve the experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Pursuing Fiscal & Climate Sustainability 🌎

Jesse will champion a sustainable AC Transit - one that is fiscally responsible, yet innovative in generating revenue. An AC Transit that fights for a livable climate while adapting to the fiscal challenges that we face today.

Reduce traffic and pollution by realizing the goal of transitioning AC Transit’s fleet to zero emission vehicles.
Fund public transit by working with state and federal legislators to close the looming transit deficit and promote better collaboration between regional transit agencies.

Serving Every Generation of Riders & Drivers 🚍

The solution for many of the challenges that AC Transit faces is clear: Growing our ridership & number of operators.

Collaborate with labor partners to ensure AC Transit employees receive dignified treatment, fair pay, and strong contractual protections.
Partner with local schools to create job placement and training opportunities, making it easier to start a career at AC Transit.
Support students by establishing supplementary lines, expanding free ride passes for youth, and teaching students how to use the bus system.

Meet Jesse

Why Jesse is running

As a father, safe public transit is personal to Jesse. From safe routes for his kids to get to school or work, to on-time buses ahead of a family outing. Over 100 thousand residents throughout the East Bay ride AC Transit every day. Investing in transit is not just about moving people from point A to point B; it’s about connecting neighborhoods and families. Jesse’s experience talking with neighbors has shown him that many more desire the flexibility and connectivity that AC Transit provides. They simply need an entry point.

Proudly serving our Community

Jesse has been a committed community advocate for years; fighting alongside our neighbors to stop school closures, secure funding for neighborhood improvement projects, and improve public safety in Hayward. He currently serves on the Executive Board for the Hayward Education Association (Hayward’s teachers union) and represents HEA on the Alameda Labor Council. He also serves on the Hayward Unified School District’s Transportation Committee and is co-chair of his school site’s decision making committee. Jesse is an appointed Community Services Commissioner for the City of Hayward and is a co-lead in the Climate Empowerment Learning Initiative (CELI) with leaders from the city, school and parks district.

District 6 is my home

Jesse was born and raised in South Hayward in a low-income family. His grandfather was a member of Teamsters 853 for over 40 years, retiring from Gillig Bus Company in Hayward in 2019. Jesse is a first generation college graduate, attending Ohlone College in Fremont/Newark & CSU East Bay in Hayward and now teaches at Tennyson High School, where he went to High School himself.

I’m proud to be endorsed by…

Alameda County Democratic Party
Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 192
Alameda Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Alameda County Building & Construction Trades Council
California Working Families Party
South Alameda County Young Democrats
Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay
Iron Workers, Local 378
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local 104
Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3
International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers, Local 595
Laborers International Union of North America, Local 304
National Union of Healthcare Workers
Teamsters, Local 853
Sprinkler Fitters, Local 483
Bricklayers, Tilesetters and Allied Craftworkers, Local 3
California Democratic Renters Council
AAPIs for Civic Empowerment
Filipino Advocates for Justice Action Fund
Bay Rising Action
Evolve California

Elected Officials

Liz Ortega

California Assemblymember

Aisha Wahab

California State Senator

Bill Quirk

California Assemblymember, Former

Betty Yee

California State Controller, Former

Sarah Syed

AC Transit Director - Ward 3

Jovanka Beckles

AC Transit Director - Ward 1

Francisco Zermeño

Councilmember, City of Hayward
AC Transit Liaison, Representative for Hayward

George Syrop

Councilmember, City of Hayward
AC Transit Liaison, Representative for Hayward

Ray Bonilla Jr

Councilmember, City of Hayward

Dan Goldstein

Councilmember, City of Hayward

Aisha Knowles

Trustee, Alameda County Board of Education

Angela Normand

Trustee, Alameda County Board of Education

Cheryl Cook-Kallio

Trustee, Alameda County Board of Education

Liz Ames

BART Director - District 6

Peter Bufete

President, Hayward Board of Education

Sara Prada

Vice-President, Hayward Board of Education

Sara Lamnin

Director Hayward Recreation & Park District

Teresa Cox

Vice-Mayor, City of Fremont

Nikki Fortunato Bas

Council President, City of Oakland

Kevin Jenkins

Councilmember, City of Oakland
AC Transit Liaison, Representative for Oakland

Harris Mojadedi

Trustee, Chabot-Las Positas Community
College District

Lance Kwan

Trustee, Ohlone Community College Board

Dolly Adams

Trustee, Castro Valley Board of Education

Sara Raymond

Trustee, Castro Valley Board of Education

Mike Kusiak

Trustee, Castro Valley Board of Education

James Aguilar

Trustee, San Leandro Board of Education

Victor Aguilar

Councilmember, City of San Leandro

Diana Prola

Trustee, San Leandro Board of Education

Community & Labor Leaders

Shay Franco-Clausen

Planning Commissioner

Ron Meyers

Planning Commissioner