Editor’s Note: The following Q&A was conducted as part of the story “As Trump takes office, Valley Latino legislators talk immigration and the road ahead.”
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil represents California’s 4th Senate District, which includes the counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
Born in Mountain View, California, to parents from Jalisco, Mexico, Alvarado-Gil faced significant challenges early in life, including time in foster care. She spent part of her youth with her grandmother, who owned a tortilla factory in Mexico.
She began her higher education at UC Davis studying animal science. During her third year, she paused her studies to raise her three children as a single mother in rural Northern California. She later earned a bachelor’s and a master’s in public administration from the University of San Francisco.
Professionally, Alvarado-Gil has a background as an educator and has been actively involved in public service. She founded My First Farm Inc., a nonprofit organization providing agricultural education to children.
In November 2022, Alvarado-Gil was elected to the California State Senate as a Democrat. However, on Aug. 8, 2024, she announced her switch to the Republican Party, citing a desire to represent her constituents’ interests better. This decision led to her losing her committee assignments and her departure from the Latino Caucus.
What do you see as the most significant challenges facing Latino communities under the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration and economic policies, and how do you plan to address them?
Senator Alvarado-Gil: The challenges facing California’s Latino community are deeply tied to the same struggles experienced by all Californians: an increasingly unmanageable cost of living driven by decisions made in Sacramento. From skyrocketing housing costs to burdensome taxes and fees, these issues are felt most acutely around kitchen tables across the state—not in Washington, D.C., but right here at home.
What specific steps are you taking to advocate for the needs and rights of Latino constituents? Are there any partnerships or coalitions you’re building to amplify their voices at the state or national level?
Senator Alvarado-Gil: The Latino community is as diverse as it is resilient. It spans generations, economic backgrounds, and political beliefs. This diversity is our strength, and it underscores the need for unity in addressing the issues that matter most. My focus has been on building an inclusive, bipartisan coalition of Latino leaders to tackle the policies driving the high cost of living in California.
As a Republican, I know we have been on the front lines offering proposals to make a real impact and lower costs on Californians – but those proposals have been met with deaf ears from the far-left wing controlling the Democrat leaders in Sacramento. I’m working to get those cost-saving proposals and plans heard and implemented
How has Trump’s presidency shaped your approach to leadership, and what strategies will you employ to navigate the next four years while ensuring the well-being of your community?
Senator Alvarado-Gil: As Vice Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a proud representative of the Central Valley, my top priority is ensuring Sacramento addresses the real needs of our families, workers, and small business owners.
Right now, the policies coming out of the state capitol are making life harder for too many people. That is why I remain laser-focused on reversing these trends and advocating for smart, balanced legislation that prioritizes opportunity and affordability. In addition to tackling policy issues, I’m committed to community service.
Navigating state programs and bureaucracies can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially for those who need assistance the most. As your state Senator, I am here to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need.