José Cruz

José was born in Mexico City and raised in Chicago. José became a naturalized citizen in 2011 and is running to help other live out their American Dream.

José believes that the South OKC is home to hard-working Oklahomans who make up the district. José was raised in a working-class family with parents who spoke no English and with all of their family members far away. His father learned the construction trade, and José spent many summers and weekends working alongside him to help their family. His mother, a homemaker and educator at heart, raised four children. Together, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance.

Working toward a better and brighter future, José went on to become the first college graduate in his family, earning a communications degree. José found a love for helping others through the legal process and spent a few years working at an immigration law firm. He then went on to graduate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he volunteered in legal clinics and taught Street Law to high school students in South Oklahoma City.

After graduation, José served as a Community Outreach Specialist for Congresswoman Kendra Horn, working to assist constituents with federal agency needs.

His drive and passion have not been overlooked. José was chosen to be part of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class X and selected as a 30 Under 30 award recipient in 2016. José is also serving his fifth year as a board member for Variety Care, a federally qualified health center.

South OKC needs better education outcomes, increased access to quality health care, and better paying jobs that will help our families thrive. José wants to ensure that everyone has access to opportunities by rerouting resources to South Oklahoma City.