Who is Gabriel Fernandez?

Gabriel Fernandez was born on August 9, 1981, and raised in San Jose, California. He attended Archbishop Mitty High School before earning his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. After passing the California Bar, Gabe dedicated 15 years to serving as a public defender, advocating for fairness and justice within the legal system.

He later went on to serve as a California State Assemblymember representing District 15 in the Bay Area. During his time in office, Gabe championed efforts to combat climate change, increase funding for firefighters, address homelessness, protect immigrant rights, and improve emergency response times in San Jose.

Gabe and his wife Michelle at the Gabe4Gov Rally hosted in downtown San Jose.

A proud third-generation immigrant, Gabe draws inspiration from his family’s story. His father, a firefighter in Santa Clara County, instilled in him a deep respect for community service and environmental stewardship, while his mother, an oncology nurse in Mountain View, demonstrated compassion and dedication through her work in healthcare.

Gabe lives with his wife, a healthcare professional, and their two children. Like many Californians, he rents his home and understands firsthand the challenges of the state’s housing crisis. He believes that far too many families are being priced out of homeownership and is committed to pursuing real solutions.

After years of public service, Gabe is now running for governor to expand his impact—bringing bold leadership, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to the people of California.

-Gabe4Gov Campaign Team