Candidate for
State Senator; District 36; Democratic Party

Rebekah Quintana has been an avid supporter of Democratic candidates and principles her entire life. Born in El Paso, Texas, Rebekah believes that a woman, no matter what cultural background, can achieve many great things in one lifetime.

This belief led to the pursuit of her love of the arts, which is a family tradition. Once she graduated from high school she joined her father in San Diego, California in an effort to learn the construction trade. She specialized in historical restoration that had been passed down from her grandfather to her father. She worked to restore many of San Diego's most notable historical buildings, such as The Grant, The Abbey, and the House of Charm and House of Hospitality in Balboa Park.

One of Rebekah's goals was to retain San Diego's vibrant history through art. She accomplished this by insuring that San Diegan's have a link to their past via the restoration of the historic structures that are found in San Diego. Rebekah and her family have also created new artwork in and around San Diego. But her most impressive achievement is her never-ending pursuit of nontraditional careers. She was the first woman of her generation to work in the family construction business. She knew that it was her choice in life to pursue a career that inspired her rather than doing what was socially expected. After working in many capacities from construction crew to foreman she found that it was time to pursue her love of education.

Rebekah attended San Diego City College where she became extremely active on campus and was a member of most student clubs and organizations. In 1997, she was elected President of the Associated Students of San Diego City College where she instituted creative grants and scholarships for single mothers and low-income students. She continued to pursue political activities and soon garnered one of the 10 senate positions for the California Student Association of Community Colleges (CalSACC). While serving in this capacity she represented over 107 community colleges in California. This was where she truly learned the importance of grassroots organizing and legislative activities.

After being accepted to the University of San Diego she continued with her love of politics by involving herself in many student organizations. As the Director of the Women's Program she focused on health and safety issues. She studied International Relations hoping one day to make a difference not only in her country but also in the world.

While attending college, Rebekah discovered that one of her innate abilities was to make sense out of the legal wording that is prevalent in political activities. Rebekah found she had the ability to relay the complicated legislation to her peers in a way that empowered them to become active. In an effort to learn more she pursued employment as a legal assistant.

Her love of the arts and education was accompanied by a new love of the law. She found her ability to learn things quickly made her a natural in legal environments. First, she worked in Solana Beach for a high profile Intellectual Property law firm. Then, she enjoyed employment at a firm focusing on Tax Law, Business Law, Estate Planning, and Immigration Law.

After moving to Murrieta in 2003, in an effort to meld her love of education and law she began training at a firm in Temecula. This expanded her knowledge of the law to include: Personal Injury, Worker's Compensation and Civil Litigation. She believes her employment in legal environments coupled with her studies have prepared her for the legislative rigors of State Senate.

Her dedication to Riverside County began with her involvement in community activities including volunteering for the Temecula Women's Club, Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County, and Democracy for America. She has worked on many local, state and national campaigns.

In 2003, she married her partner of 8 years, Gerald Lukas a veteran of the Marine Corps who served honorably in Iraq. They own a home in Murrieta, California where she is an entrepreneur owning her own business. Her work as a small business professional provides her with the background she believes is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the growing number of entrepreneurs in Riverside and San Diego County.

Rebekah Quintana believes as a public servant it is her duty and obligation to hear the concerns of all. Her desire is to create an environment which allows her constituency to address their concerns and recommend changes they wish to see at the state and local level. Her goal is to care for California's natural treasures as well as California's most important treasure, our children.