Candidate

Lucas Piñon

State HouseDemocrat

CA-AD47 State House

Mexican-American·Director of Special Projects, Office of Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA)

Why This Race Matters

Lucas Piñon is running against Greg Wallis (R, incumbent).

AD-47 is one of California's most competitive Assembly districts. Wallis won in 2022 by just 85 votes — the closest Assembly race in California since 1900 — and expanded his margin to 2.4 points in 2024. A Democratic flip would chip away at the Republican Assembly minority.

This is Piñon's first campaign. Other Democratic challengers in the race include Leila Namvar and Jason Byors. Piñon has endorsements from Congressman Raul Ruiz (his employer) and Congressman Juan Vargas. At the CA Democratic Party Pre-Endorsing Conference, Piñon received 32% of the vote with no consensus endorsement reached.

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

About

Lucas Piñon is a U.S. Air Force veteran, husband, father, and public servant running for California State Assembly District 47. Born into a family of farmworkers and activists with multi-generational roots in the Coachella Valley, he grew up in Palm Desert and graduated from Palm Desert High School. After serving in the Air Force Security Forces and deploying to Afghanistan for military police operations, he earned his history degree from UCLA while working at the campus Veteran Resource Center. He returned to the Coachella Valley to work for Congressman Raul Ruiz, eventually becoming Director of Special Projects where he helps seniors, veterans, and families access health and financial benefits.

Family & Heritage

Born into a family of farmworkers and activists with multi-generational roots in the Coachella Valley. His family had roots in the Marine Corps and Army before he chose the Air Force. Married to Gloria with two children. Lives in Palm Desert with his family.

Political Career

Before Politics

U.S. Air Force Security Forces (deployed to Afghanistan); Congressional intern researching toxic burn pits; Field Representative for Rep. Raul Ruiz (labor, public safety, military affairs); Grants Director for Rep. Raul Ruiz; Director of Special Projects for Rep. Raul Ruiz

Education

B.A. History, UCLA (2019); Palm Desert High School

Key Issues & Priorities

*Making California safe and affordable

*Housing affordability

*Cost of living

*Putting people ahead of politics and corporate special interests

*Supporting veterans and military families

*Helping seniors access benefits

Notable Legislation

Endorsements

Congressman Raul Ruiz

Congressman Juan Vargas

Mayor Valerie Vandever (San Jacinto)

Councilmember Karina Quintanilla (Palm Desert)

Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein (Palm Springs)

Councilmember Rita Lamb (Cathedral City)

Councilmember Julio Martinez (Beaumont)

Councilmember Leroy Miller (Banning)

Councilmember Gary Gardner (Desert Hot Springs)

Humberto Alvarez (Desert Sands USD Board)

Tricia Pearce (Desert Sands USD Board)

Linda Porras (Desert Sands USD Board)

Michael Duran (Desert Sands USD Board)

Sergio Espericueta (Palm Springs USD Board President)

Trinidad Arredondo (Coachella Valley USD Trustee)