Jozef Maldonado knows what it means to work hard, overcome challenges, and give back to the community that has given him so much. The son of a Mexican immigrant father and a Puerto Rican mother, Jozef was raised in a working class family where perseverance, faith, and service were not just values, but a way of life.

His father immigrated from Mexico City at sixteen years old and spent decades selling cars to support his family. His mother began her career as a dental receptionist and worked her way up to office manager through determination and grit. Together they raised four children, teaching them that success comes from hard work, integrity, and never giving up on your neighbors.

Like many families, the Maldonados were deeply impacted by the 2008 financial crisis. They faced bankruptcy to save their home, relied on free school meals, and stretched every dollar to make ends meet. Those experiences gave Jozef a firsthand understanding of the challenges working families face and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Determined to build a better future, Jozef attended community college while working multiple jobs before transferring to the University of California, Davis, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Forensic Science. During college, he became involved in advocacy around public health, economic opportunity, and building stronger communities, experiences that strengthened his passion for public service.

After graduating, Jozef chose to make Fullerton his home. Inspired by the city's diverse neighborhoods, historic character, and strong sense of community, he became involved in local government and community organizations, believing that meaningful change begins with listening to residents and working together to solve problems.

In 2024, Jozef was appointed to the Fullerton Parks and Recreation Commission, where he has worked to expand access to parks, improve neighborhood amenities, and invest in the quality of life for families across the city. He helped deliver the long awaited Emery Park Playground, supported the opening of Union Pacific Trail and Union Pacific Park after decades of community advocacy, and worked with residents to find common ground during difficult discussions over park improvements. His approach has always been simple: listen first, bring people together, and focus on solutions.

Beyond his service to Fullerton, Jozef has dedicated himself to strengthening the broader community. He serves as a member of the California Democratic Party, has worked to elect leaders who put people first, and has organized alongside labor unions, neighborhood advocates, and community organizations to improve the lives of working families throughout Orange County.

Professionally, Jozef has built a career as a scientist, applying analytical thinking and problem solving to complex challenges. That same thoughtful approach guides his public service, where he believes every decision should be grounded in facts, transparency, and a commitment to the public good.

Jozef and his fiancé, Ryan, are proud to call Fullerton home and will be married this November at the historic Hunt Library. Together, they are building their future in the city they love and are committed to ensuring that Fullerton remains a place where families can afford to live, small businesses can thrive, neighborhoods are safe, and every resident has the opportunity to succeed.

Jozef is running for Fullerton City Council because he believes our city's greatest days are still ahead. By bringing people together, investing in our neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, creating more housing, and protecting the quality of life that makes Fullerton special, he is committed to building a city where every family has the opportunity to thrive.