Perez Outpaces Opponent in Fundraising

V. Manuel “Manny” Perez has opened up a significant fundraising lead over his only declared opponent, Jan Harnik, in the race for Riverside County’s Fourth District Supervisorial District, according to reports filed Wednesday with the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

Perez raised more than $280,000 during the most recent fundraising period and has a cash-on-hand total of $486,115, a lead of about $175,000 over his oppponent.

Harnik, a member of the Palm Desert City Council, raised slightly more than $155,000 for the same period, July 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017. She reported cash on hand of $311,256.

“This fundraising success underscores the support our campaign has earned from Democrats, Republicans, Independents, businesses, tribes, and labor organizations throughout the region,” Perez said in a prepared statement. “Thanks to donations of all amounts – I am confident we will have the resources to run an effective campaign; one that is focused on the progress we are making to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys. I look forward to continuing this momentum as we begin the next phase of our campaign.”

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, the son of immigrant farmworkers, Perez attended local public schools and graduated from the University of California, Riverside. He taught at a local middle school, and went on to earn a Master of Education degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University.

Perez served on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2008. He served our region in the California State Assembly for three terms between 2008 and 2014, rising to the role of majority leader. In the Assembly, Perez authored more than 60 pieces of legislation that were signed into law, including bills that helped to create jobs, make neighborhoods safer, improve public schools, and jumpstart the local renewable energy industry. Following his service in the State Assembly, Perez was elected to the Coachella City Council. He was appointed to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in May.

Perez resides in Coachella with Gladis, his wife of 20 years. They have two sons, Ruben and Alejandro, who attend UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, respectively.