Tony Cruz currently serves as the senior council aide for Councilman Steve Padilla in Chula Vista, where he provides policy advice, constituent services, and staff support among other duties. Previously, he worked for the South County Economic Development Council, the 51st Congressional District, and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.

Born in Chula Vista but raised in Tijuana, he’s always been interested in working to further the collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico. Tony is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego where he earned a degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations.

Since 2015, Tony has been the co-chair of Leaders 2020, a network of young professionals looking to advance economically and environmentally sustainable solutions for the San Diego region. In this capacity, he’s worked to expand opportunities for Leaders 2020 members to have an impact on issues affecting quality of life.

In his spare time, Tony loves dancing and taking friends on taco and brewery tours in Tijuana.