Clarissa CervantesCandidate

Clarissa Cervantes

State HouseDemocrat

CA-AD58 State House

Mexican-American·Riverside City Councilmember, Ward 2 (2021-present)

Why This Race Matters

Clarissa Cervantes is running against Leticia Castillo (R, incumbent).

AD-58 is one of California Democrats' top 2026 flip targets. Despite 41% Democratic voter registration vs 28% Republican, Cervantes lost in 2024 by just 596 votes amid a Latino swing toward Trump. Polling now shows those voters "souring on Trump," potentially reversing 2024 GOP gains.

Cervantes raised nearly $1 million in 2024 compared to Castillo's $81,000, but two DUI arrests became central attack fodder. She faces Democrat Paco Licea in the primary. Endorsed by sister State Senator Sabrina Cervantes, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, SEIU California, CA Labor Federation, Equality California, CTA, and CNA.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Clarissa Cervantes is a Riverside City Councilmember and Democratic candidate for California State Assembly District 58. The daughter of former Coachella Mayor Greg Cervantes and sister of State Senator Sabrina Cervantes, she comes from a family with generations of farmworkers and veterans who served in World War II. First woman ever elected to represent Ward 2 on Riverside City Council, she is also the second Latina and second openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the council. A working mother, businesswoman, and longtime community leader, she lost the 2024 AD-58 race by just 596 votes and is running again in 2026.

Family & Heritage

Daughter of Greg Cervantes, former Mayor of Coachella and former Deputy Director and Policy Advisor for Congressman Esteban E. Torres. Sister of State Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), who chaired the CA Latino Legislative Caucus (2022-24) and is the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina to represent Western Riverside County. Comes from a family with generations of farmworkers and veterans, including grandfather Gregorio Cervantes who served in WWII.

Political Career

Before Politics

Legislative Field Representative to Riverside Councilmember Andy Melendrez; Organizer for SEIU 121RN; Veteran campaign organizer on presidential, congressional, state legislative, county, and municipal campaigns throughout California; Businesswoman

Education

BA Political Science, California State University Northridge; MA Urban and Regional Planning (in progress), California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Key Issues & Priorities

*Road infrastructure repairs and millions in funding for necessary improvements
*Small business support through microgrants
*Environmental and open space protections
*Public art and neighborhood beautification programs
*Affordable housing expansion and access
*Opposing warehouse development
*Homelessness reduction with 5-year strategy

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