My name is Sergio Lopez, and I’m running for Campbell City Council.
Growing up here, I never thought I’d say those words. I was raised in a one-bedroom apartment, crammed together with family. I played soccer in the Youth League at the Campbell Community Center, and went to the Campbell Public Library every week.
When I started kindergarten across the street at Castlemont Elementary, I didn’t know the language. But what I had were my own determination, my parents’ belief in the importance of education, and a dedicated public school teacher. She would pull me aside and read with me while the other kids were playing, and by the end of the year I was reading above grade level.
By the time I was older, we'd saved up enough to own a home and open up a small business, a restaurant. I’d go after school, on weekends, and in the summer to help out. We did alright for a couple years—but then the financial crisis hit. We lost our business and our home.
At the time, I didn’t understand what was happening. But I did what I’d always done, reading and learning more about the world around me, until I saw how our political system included some voices and left out others. That taught me two things that have guided me ever since: one, I needed to learn how to make my voice heard, and two, I had to work to bring others along with me.
After going to public schools my whole life, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to Yale University on a full scholarship. I worked in fields like journalism and public policy to learn how to have a seat at the table, refusing to wait for a title or position before doing the hard work of making change happen.
When I went to Yale, my mom would get questions from friends and family who couldn’t understand why I would leave home. She would explain that I was going so I could come back and work to help build our community. That’s exactly what I’ve done, serving on the Campbell Historical Museum Foundation Board, building the next generation of leaders in our community, and helping shape policy at the local, state, and national levels. I’m a small business owner and proud member of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, as well as an advisor to Fortune 500 executives and civic institutions on public policy issues.
Here’s my promise: you’ll know my values and where I stand; I’ll never forget where I come from; and no one will work harder for our community. We face tough times ahead, but I know we are strong enough to come together as a community and tackle any crisis..
Contact me any time at sergio@lopezforcampbell.com. That’s because I can’t do this alone—I’m going to need your help. Let’s work together to build a community for all of us.
Yours in community,
Sergio Lopez