Tomas Oliva is running for California’s 36th State Assembly District

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - As local elections draw nearer, a familiar face has emerged in Imperial County in the race to represent California's 36th District.

Democratic candidate Tomas Oliva, a former El Centro Mayor, has thrown his hat in the ring, aiming to unseat incumbent Jeff Gonzalez.

Oliva launched his campaign, highlighting issues such as financial equity, economic growth, and environmental conservation. He has been outspoken about his opposition to a planned data center in the county.

"When it comes to gasoline, when it comes to utility, I think we need to make better investments in the infrastructure for IID. I know that recently they announced new investments and new improvements from the federal government and I think that's great. And that's going to help them enter into more competitive power purchase agreements," he said.

Oliva said the region must meet growing power demands, while maintaining local control over it's share of the Colorado River.

"We ultimately need power and energy in this region to survive and to live some sense of a good quality of life. Water is crucial. It is fundamental to our economy to our quality of life to ag which is part of our identity," he explained.

Oliva said he believes in law and order, and supports local law enforcement agencies. However, he said, that does not mean that law enforcement can act without impunity.

"What I would like to see is empowering local law enforcement to be better protectors of us if federal agents are acting outside of their prevue and outside of the law. Who do we turn to?" Oliva said. "And I would like for the state of California to empower local law enforcement, our sheriffs, our highway patrol, our local officials to be that person  that we feel comfortable to turn to if we're being target by ICE and other federal agencies."

A candidate forum is set for May 12 at Imperial Valley College.

"I love the fact that Imperial County has been very rich in forums," Oliva said.