Salvadoran American community leader and health equity advocate who rose from AmeriCorps volunteer to Manchester's Ward 5 Alderman. The son of immigrants who walked from El Salvador to the U.S., Bonilla has dedicated his career to uplifting youth of color and advocating for racial equity. He co-founded NH Millennials of Color and serves as Program Director of the NH Equity Leaders Fellowship, a program designed by leaders of color for leaders of color. Won his aldermanic race in November 2025 with 62.5% of the vote, succeeding retiring 10-year incumbent Tony Sapienza who personally nominated him to the school board in 2021.
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Son of Salvadoran immigrants who embarked on a journey by foot from El Salvador in pursuit of a better life in the United States. The sacrifice of his mother raising him inspired his public service and advocacy for the Latino community. Grew up in Revere, Massachusetts before relocating to Manchester, New Hampshire.
Political Career
Before Politics
AmeriCorps member for 2 years in Boston and Washington D.C. public schools mentoring Black and brown youth; City Year recruiter in Manchester (since 2017) recruiting young people of color as peer mentors; Program Director at Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center developing partnerships for health professions education with expertise in behavioral health, cultural competency, and substance use disorder training
Education
Revere High School (Massachusetts); 64-hour Healthcare Community Interpretation Training, Southern NH Area Health Education Center; NH Equity Leaders Fellowship
Key Issues & Priorities
Park and infrastructure investment in Ward 5 (noting Sheehan-Basquil Park has lacked a filled swimming pool for years while other parts of the city do not)
Opioid epidemic response and police support
Affordable housing (including converting former Henry Wilson Elementary School into affordable apartments)
Small business support
Public education funding (testified in support of HB 1831 to restore Manchester's targeted education aid)
Youth mentorship and advocacy
Hispanic community representation
Endorsements
Tony Sapienza (retiring Ward 5 Alderman
10-year incumbent)
Christine Fajardo (Ward 4 Alderwoman)
Chris Potter (Ward 7 School Board Member)
Run for Something (August 2025)
NH Young Democrats