Denise Aguilar Mendez, a California Republican Assembly candidate, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor welfare fraud in 2020, but remains eligible to run for office. Her past legal issues could affect her campaign, but she has downplayed the story. Her bid to unseat Democrat Rhodesia Ransom remains an uphill battle in a heavily Democratic district.
California Assembly Candidate Pleaded Guilty to Welfare Fraud
Denise Aguilar Mendez, a Republican candidate running for a California Assembly seat, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of welfare fraud in 2020. Aguilar, a conservative activist and founder of the anti-vaccine group Freedom Angels, is challenging Democrat Rhodesia Ransom for a seat in California’s Assembly. Court records show Aguilar defrauded San Joaquin County Health Services Agency of over $10,000 between 2016 and 2018.
Initial Charges and Legal Consequences
Aguilar initially faced three felony charges in 2019, including aid by misrepresentation, perjury, and grand theft of personal property. In 2020, she accepted a plea deal, reducing the charges to a misdemeanor of welfare fraud. As part of the agreement, Aguilar was ordered to repay the misappropriated funds, pay fines, and serve 120 hours of community service. She was also sentenced to 20 days in jail, which she served in February 2023.
Campaign Response
Following the news report, Aguilar responded on social media, dismissing the coverage as a “stupid article” but did not deny the allegations. She acknowledged her past mistakes but emphasized that they would not derail her campaign.
Missed Court Appearances and Eligibility to Run
Aguilar’s court records show a history of missed court dates, including a felony arrest warrant issued in 2019 for failing to appear. Despite her legal issues, Aguilar remains eligible to run for office, as the charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. Under California election law, only those convicted of felony offenses related to embezzlement, extortion, or other specific crimes are barred from seeking public office.
Campaign Outlook
Despite her candidacy, Aguilar faces an uphill battle in the heavily Democratic district. Her opponent, Rhodesia Ransom, is running to succeed outgoing Democratic Rep. Carlos Villapudua in the Stockton-area Assembly seat.
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