Jorge R. Puentes, a 30-year-old Democrat who lives in Llano in the Antelope Valley, has announced his candidacy for Congress in the 25th District. The seat has been held since 1993 by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita.
Puentes issued the following statement Monday:
Jorge R. Puentes Jr.
A soldier is prepared to put his life on the line.
American Citizen are the reason why my fellow brothers in arms have made the sacrifice.
After, the tragedy of 9/11, led by a radically extreme group, I heard the call.
When partisan politics led by a radical group forced a Government shutdown I heard the call.
Congress is full of Career Politicians that have forgotten the people, and now only see green.
I wholeheartedly believe that the people of my district are not being represented properly. I refuse to be idle, the people deserve a representative that understands the hardships the people face. im talking about my fellow citizens, veteran brothers, police officers, firefighters, educators, working single mothers and fathers, many of which were affected by the shutdown.
The people are the reason, I chose to serve our country’s military, and they are the reason I am choosing to run for Congress.
Biographical information
Born to immigrant parents on 3-2-1983 at the Bellflower, Ca Kaiser Permanente Hospital.”Benning-Boy” Jorge Ricardo Puentes Jr. is the second of six children. An At-risk child, growing up in South Los Angeles, Jorge was forced to leave his house at the age of 15, he lived alone in a van for a few months. Adopted by a wonderful family that nurtured and encouraged him. Graduated From Fontana High School in 2001 with a degree of merit with “Honors in Speech and Debate”, then 9/11 happened.
In 2003 He Joined The U.S. Army as a 91W Combat Medic. Completed Basic training at Fort. Benning, Ga after which he successfully completed the Army’s Medical Healthcare Specialist Program, MOS-91W at Fort Sam Houston, Tx. He was Assigned to the Mortar Platoon In The Mechanized Infantry unit in Fort. Stewart, Ga. Honorably Discharged in 2005 he headed home to an uncertain future.
Faced with homelessness due to VA claims processing times, he understands the hardships veterans returning home face. Happily married for over 10 years to his wife Petra, he is a proud father of two beautiful kids, Jorge the III (9), and Abbygail (3).
AV Democrat Announces Bid for McKeon's House Seat
