Tony Virrueta – Senate District 17

Political Party - Republican

Ballot Designation

Veterans Advocate / Father

Law Enforcement Contributions

  • Salinas Police Benefit Association

Background

Virrueta is a retired U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces instructor, and founder of the Salinas Veterans Day Parade.

Public Safety Platform

Virrueta does not have a policy platform but is endorsed by the Salinas Police Officers Association. In a press release on his website, Virrueta criticizes how the incumbent, John Laird, voted against SB 44 (Alexandra's Law) which would have escalated criminal penalties for fentanyl dealers, stating: “Our Central Coast incumbent senator was a member of this key committee, and he failed to be a sponsor or supporter of this key bill, which would escalate penalties for fentanyl traffickers, where a young person died from the trafficking. Presently a fentanyl trafficker or gang member only gets a slap on the wrist for selling fentanyl to a young person, who dies from the dose."

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