Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez is a community leader who has spent his life advocating for underrepresented communities in the Inland Empire. When elected to the Assembly, Javier will be a champion for progressive values and a voice for communities that have been historically denied a seat at the table. This includes making sure the Inland Empire gets its fair share of state resources and has access to more opportunities for a better quality of life. Since 2015, Javier has been Executive Director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), a coalition of over 35 diverse organizations that collectively advocate for immigrant justice in the Inland Empire. In that role, Javier advocates for protections for immigrant families and increased funding for social services. His deep roots in his community have given him a unique perspective and a powerful voice to fight for working families. Born in Mexico, Javier came to the United States with his family when he was six months old and was raised in different parts of the district – including Pomona, Montclair and Ontario. Growing up as an undocumented immigrant, Javier lived through the struggles that many people in the I.E. continue to face – including poverty, discrimination, and limited access to housing, health care, and quality education. When Javier was a teenager, his father was deported, leaving him to take on responsibility for his family’s well-being. Despite these challenging circumstances, Javier rose to the challenge and became a pillar of support for his mother and siblings. He worked multiple jobs in the service industry; it was through this experience that he confirmed the precarious realities of working families in the region. Javier realized how important it was to have support systems in place for families facing similar challenges. That is why he has dedicated his life to serving the communities he calls home. Since he was young, Javier has volunteered with local organizations that help improve the lives of immigrants, low-income families, and LGBTQ people like himself who deserve to live a dignified life. His commitment to activism and organizing has led Javier to speak across the country at universities, conferences, and other events that have built strong coalitions to make real change. Javier lives in Pomona with his husband Efren and their elderly pet dog Lola. He loves to spend his time outdoors, hiking with family and friends.