Edward Hernandez
Dr. Ed Hernandez had only one goal as a young man – to serve the health care needs of the community he came from. As an optometrist and local businessman, he never dreamed he would one day work in the California State Assembly. As a health care provider in predominantly low-income communities though, the need to improve access to health care is what drove him to run for office. Dr. Ed won his seat in the California State Assembly in November of 2006, in his first bid ever for a publicly elected office. He was re-elected to his second term in 2008.
Assemblymember Hernandez serves on the Assembly Committee on Health as well as Budget Subcommittee 1 – which has direct oversight over the portions of the budget dealing with Health and Human Services. He is also Chair of the Public Employees Retirement and Social Security Committee (PERSS), and serves on the Business and Professions Committee as well.
Assemblymember Hernandez is the Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus, made up of 13 Senators and Assemblymembers representing the greater San Gabriel Valley. This position has allowed him to work in cooperation with fellow legislators on issues critical to the San Gabriel Valley, including water and transportation.
Assemblymember Hernandez grew up in La Puente, attended local schools and graduated from Bassett High School. He worked his way through school, attending both Rio Hondo and Mt. San Antonio Community Colleges before going on to get his B.S. degree in Biology from Cal State Fullerton. He received a scholarship to study Optometry at Indiana University, which is also where he met his wife Diane. After returning home, Dr. Ed and his wife setup their first practice in his hometown of La Puente.
Assemblymember Hernandez represents the 57th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, La Puente, West Covina, Irwindale, Industry, and other unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County including Valinda, North Whittier, Charter Oak, and Bassett.