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Frank Gomez Revitalizes Political Career in Tustin

A lively discussion on political issues at the Central Orange County Democratic Club.

News Summary

Frank Gomez has been elected chair of the Central Orange County Democratic Club, aiming to challenge Congressmember Young Kim. Under his leadership, club membership surged from 60 to over 300 in less than a year. Gomez, who has deep political roots, plans to engage the community through discussions on current issues while focusing on expanding Democratic influence in a traditionally Republican area.

Tustin, California – Frank Gomez has revitalized his political career as the newly elected chair of the Central Orange County Democratic Club, aiming to unseat the last Republican Congressmember in the area, Young Kim. His leadership has resulted in a significant membership increase, growing from 60 to over 300 members in less than a year.

Political Legacy and Early Career

Frank Gomez has deep-rooted political connections in Los Angeles County, stemming from a family lineage entwined with influential figures. His grandfather was a schoolmate of Ed Roybal, a prominent early congressman, and Gomez’s mother was classmates with Richard Alatorre, a vital player in Chicano civil rights. His father, a respected teacher, also influenced the careers of notable Chicano politicians including Gil Cedillo and Vickie Castro.

Gomez first entered the political arena in 1997 when he was elected to the Montebello Unified School District board of trustees, buoyed by the support of Richard Polanco, a significant figure in California politics. In 2013, Gomez made a personal decision to step away from politics to marry his current wife, saying it was a choice between “politics and love.” Following a brief hiatus, he reemerged in the political scene as a leader focusing on STEM initiatives for the California State University system.

A Return to Political Ambition

After initially believing his political ambitions were behind him, Gomez re-entered the fray, prompted by encouragement from his stepson to run for the Tustin City Council in 2022. Despite facing a challenging campaign marked by negative mailers accusing him of intending to “bring L.A. to Tustin,” Gomez persisted. He attempted to secure a position with the Municipal Water District of Orange County during the same election cycle but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Now, Gomez is concentrating on expanding the influence of the Central Orange County Democratic Club and is set to challenge Congressmember Young Kim for her seat. His engagement with the community includes hosting monthly political salons at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin, where he invites political figures and community members to participate in meaningful discussions on current issues.

Strategic Approach to Political Engagement

Gomez has utilized his background in chemistry to inform his political strategy, aiming to build a cohesive and organized political structure in a region historically dominated by Republican influence. He observes key differences between L.A. and Orange County politics, particularly noting the unique suburban dynamic of the latter.

Under Gomez’s leadership, the Central Orange County Democratic Club not only expanded in membership but has also become a hub for political discourse. Upcoming guests expected to participate in the discussions include Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, candidate Connor Traut, and gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter. Gomez has humorously compared his role in these political saloons to that of being “Johnny Carson on intellectual steroids,” highlighting the engaging and interactive nature of his events.

Overall, Frank Gomez’s renewed commitment to public service and strategic community engagement is indicative of a shifting political landscape in Central Orange County. With an eye on the future, he aims to reshape local politics, increasing Democratic representation and creating opportunities for political dialogue within the community.